International News
Sotheby’s Revamps Jewelry Division to Capture Younger Market and Boost Digital Engagement
Auction House Renames Sales and Expands Online Platforms to Appeal to Millennial and Gen Z Collectors
Sotheby’s is rebranding its jewelry division to attract younger buyers and enhance its digital footprint. The auction house announced it will rename its flagship jewelry auctions from Magnificent Jewels to High Jewelry, a move aimed at aligning with top luxury brands and gaining greater visibility among younger collectors, particularly those shopping for high-end jewelry online.
In response to shifting buying habits, Sotheby’s has ramped up its online sales efforts, offering high-value pieces in a way that makes luxury purchases more accessible. The company has seen a surge in digital engagement, with Millennials increasingly comfortable making six-figure transactions without the need to view the items in person. To support this shift, Sotheby’s is also launching monthly Gem Drop sales via its Sotheby’s Sealed platform, offering quality gemstones with no reserve or buyer’s premiums.
To further expand its jewelry business, Sotheby’s has added several high-profile team members. Edmond Chan is rejoining as head of the jewelry department in Hong Kong, bringing expertise from his previous digital auction role at Luxeford. Graeme Thompson, a seasoned industry veteran, will lead sales and sourcing in Dubai. Jessica Koers, a gemologist with experience at both Christie’s and Sotheby’s, will help grow the business in the European market.
Emma Paleschi, global managing director of jewelry at Sotheby’s, explained the shift, noting that while traditional clients remain central to the business, an evolving clientele now engages with the auction house through new digital channels. As part of its rebranding efforts, Sotheby’s will also rename its Fine Jewels sales to Fine Jewelry and continue its prestigious Royal and Noble sale each November in Geneva, showcasing historically significant collections.
International News
Consortium Led By Former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny Selected As The Preferred Bidder To Acquire De Beers
Botswana is expected to play a pivotal role in the transaction. The country, together with Namibia, Angola and other shareholders, already owns a 15% stake in De Beers
A consortium headed by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny has been selected as the preferred bidder to acquire De Beers, according to Botswana’s Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Moeti Mohwasa.
Speaking on the development, Mohwasa said Anglo American conducted a competitive sale process involving three shortlisted bidders before identifying the Global Diamond Consortium as its preferred choice.
Anglo American announced plans to divest De Beers in May 2024 as part of a broader restructuring strategy, driven by prolonged weakness in the diamond market and other business priorities.
The sale process has attracted significant interest from industry leaders and investors. Among those previously linked to the bidding were former De Beers CEO Bruce Cleaver, Australian mining executive Michael O’Keeffe, Indian billionaire Anil Agarwal, and Indian diamond companies KGK Group and Kapu Gems.
Botswana is expected to play a pivotal role in the transaction. The country, together with Namibia, Angola and other shareholders, already owns a 15% stake in De Beers and retains important rights under the shareholder agreement. Mohwasa emphasized that Botswana has the flexibility to either join the preferred bidder as a strategic partner or exercise its pre-emptive rights independently or with another investor.
Industry observers believe the eventual owner will seek to preserve De Beers’ vertically integrated business model, spanning diamond mining, trading and global natural diamond marketing, while positioning the company to benefit from a potential recovery in natural diamond demand and prices.
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