Gemstone and fine art auction houses
are where you find fine gems and estate jewelry at auction.
Last month's lead article mentioned that some
of the world's famous gems were acquired through auction houses. A reader
responded with questions regarding how to find the websites for these high-end
auction houses... and do they offer newsletters?
Most auction houses that deal in fine jewelry
and superior loose gems also deal in other estate goods, art, and fine collectibles.
Many also allow people to register to receive information and view catalogues.
Gemstone and fine art auction houses are the
appropriate websites to search for when looking to visit and browse upcoming
sales. Just searching for "jewelry auction" will most often lead you
to online jewelry auction sites such as eBay and bidz.
By entering keywords such as "gemstone
and fine art auction houses" into a search engine should lead you to sites
such as...
For those so inclined, the links above will
get you started. A little research will lead you to similar sites.
Recent auction sales of fine jewelry have
made big news. Christie's recently sold the Annenberg Diamond for a price
that exceeded all pre-sale estimates.
The 32.01 carat
emerald cut D-Flawless diamond is set in a ring with pear shaped diamond side
stones.
Christie's estimated it would sell for
between $3 million and $5 million. The auction house said the previous record
for a 30-carat square cut diamond was $3.1 million.
The diamond ring actually sold for $7.7
million to an unidentified buyer.
Sotheby's recently completed another Magnificent
Jewels sale in Geneva, Switzerland. This event featured some spectacular treasures,
including a rare ruby and diamond necklace and earrings, several fancy-colored
diamond rings, and important colored gem pieces.
Bonham's Hong Kong sale is underway as I write this. This event
features many pieces of jewelry with colored gems, diamonds, pearls, and jade.
Gemstone and fine art auction houses are world class and worldwide. Even if
most of us cannot afford to buy, we can look and read about these amazing pieces
of jewelry.
Gem Industry News...
Hyperinflation Coming - Stock Up Now
The
term "hyperinflation" refers to a very rapid, very
large increase in the price level.
A current Bloomberg article sounds this warning...
"South African billionaire Johann Rupert suggested investors stock up on
bespoke Cartier necklaces or Van Cleef & Arpels rings if they’re concerned
that economic stimulus programs and government debt will fuel inflation.
“If we enter hyperinflation, you’re going to be so glad that you bought
that stuff two months or six months ago,” Rupert told investors on a call
today that followed results from Cie.
Financiere Richemont SA, which is controlled by his family. “If inflation
picks up, you’re going to see people running into your stores, buying high
jewelry.”
Johann Rupert is among the world's richest billionaires, so he may have some
insight on the subject.
Jewelry
Dealers
Now is the time! You should be focusing on serving your customers'
holiday gift needs. You can provide quality, value, and service. An ailing economy is an opportunity for
you, the independent jewelry dealer.
If you need more sales, consider a promotion... maybe a jewelry party for the
guys only, or distributing coupons offering an incentive. Your prices should
already beat local jewelry and even discount stores, so the incentive should
offer an additional gift item, not a price reduction.
You can be The Quality Jewelry Discounter without reducing your
revenue.
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