Head of Private Sales, North America, Jewelry

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.

The Head of Private Sales, N America, Jewelry, will drive the North America private jewelry sales business at Sotheby’s, overseeing high-value transactions of exceptional gemstones, signed pieces, and rare collectibles. This senior executive will develop and execute strategies, and cultivate relationships with ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients, collectors, and industry leaders. The role requires a seasoned professional with deep market expertise, a strong industry network, and a track record of executing multimillion-dollar private jewelry sales. 

• Develop and implement a regional strategy for private jewelry sales, aligning with Sotheby’s broader business objectives. 
• Identify emerging trends, investment opportunities, and client demand in the high jewelry and rare gemstone markets. 
• Expand Sotheby’s network of UHNW collectors, jewelry maisons, dealers, and institutional buyers to drive private transactions. 

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with top-tier collectors, private clients, jewelry houses, and industry stakeholders. 
• Provide bespoke advisory services, curating tailored buying and selling opportunities for private clients. 
• Oversee negotiations and ensure seamless execution of private sales transactions, ensuring discretion and confidentiality. 
• Source and place exceptional pieces, including rare diamonds, colored gemstones, vintage and signed jewelry from prestigious houses.  

• Partner with jewelry specialists, regional teams, and external experts to source and place high-value pieces for private sale. 
• Work closely with marketing, legal, and finance teams to ensure compliance, risk management, and innovative sales strategies. 
• Develop strategic partnerships with jewelry houses, estate dealers, and gemological institutions to strengthen Sotheby’s private sales presence. 
• Develop strategic partnerships with relationship managers, Chairmen and Fiduciary teams to accelerate Sotheby’s private sales transaction velocity. 

• Provide regular market insights, valuation trends, and sales reports to senior leadership. 
• Ensure operational efficiency, optimizing internal processes for a seamless client experience. 

• Foster a high-performance culture, encouraging collaboration and knowledge-sharing across regions and departments. 
• Establish and manage best in class private sale processes and tools, ensuring those are shared and applied consistently across the global Jewelry team
• Partner with the Salon team to enhance performance of retail sales, assortment and sales skills.

• 12+ years of experience in high-value jewelry private sales, luxury asset transactions, or jewelry advisory. 
• Proven track record of executing multimillion-dollar private jewelry sales with UHNW clientele. 
• Extensive network of collectors, jewelry houses, gem dealers, and institutional buyers. 
• Strong leadership and team management skills with experience overseeing an international sales team. 
• Deep understanding of the global jewelry market, including historical and contemporary valuation, authentication, and provenance. 
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship-building abilities. 
• Gemological expertise (GIA or equivalent certification) is a plus. 
• Multilingual skills are an advantage 

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $175,000 - $240,000. In addition to base salary successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus, as well as a competitive benefits package. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered.