Join Us!

This position is ideal for a jewelry professional who thrives at the intersection of connoisseurship and client service. Someone eager to be a leader within a respected auction house and help shape the future of Freeman’s Jewelry & Watches Department.

Company Culture

At Freeman’s we believe that people are enriched and energized when they are surrounded with objects of significance and meaning. Freeman’s is one of the leading and fastest growing fine art auction houses in the U.S. Our values are evident in how we approach the marketplace, providing unmatched service, a focus on excellence, and holding the utmost respect for our clients and the items we steward. As a globally recognized brand, we conduct over 100 auctions each year for everything from contemporary paintings and fine jewelry to French furniture and rare books. With six salerooms in Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, New York, Palm Beach, and Philadelphia, we stay locally relevant while passionately catering to our global sellers and buyers. 

Position Summary

The VP, Senior Specialist, Jewelry & Watches is an accomplished jewelry professional and with deep expertise in gemology, valuation, and consignment. Working closely with the Department Heads, Deputy Chairman, and national Jewelry team, this role is responsible for cultivating top-quality consignments, advising clients, and advancing the strategic growth of the Jewelry & Watches Department, specifically in the Midwest and West regions. 

Serving as one of the firm’s primary jewelry authorities, the Senior Specialist represents Freeman’s at a national level, managing significant consignments, mentoring junior staff, and maintaining strong relationships with collectors, estates, and industry professionals. This role requires both hands-on expertise with fine jewelry and watches, and the ability to lead and inspire a high-performing team within an established auction environment.

Key Responsibilities

Jewelry Expertise

• Perform gemological analysis for property evaluation, including gemstone identification, carat weight calculation, and grading.
• Assist in valuing property for IRS purposes (estate tax, gift tax, donation) and insurance appraisals, in coordination with Freeman’s Appraisals LLC.
• Oversee the cataloging process for consigned property, including researching authenticity and provenance, and reviewing inquiries to determine sale potential.

Consignment & Auction Leadership

• Evaluate and secure consignments for auction, including pricing and closing negotiations.
• Work with other Specialists to promote auctions by assisting clients at previews, speaking to them about property, tracking interest, and executing bids on auction day.
• Participate in department meetings and actively contribute to the success of each sale.
• Manage junior staff in the Chicago office, focusing on skill development and working closely with the Department Heads to address staffing needs.
• Given the global nature of our business, flexibility to work outside of standard business hours or across departments may be required to meet client needs.

Client & Industry Engagement

• Act as a senior contact for client inquiries from the Midwest and West, providing guidance on auctions, consignments, and appraisal services.
• Proactively develop new business opportunities to maintain and grow client relationships, with a focus on private individuals.
• Travel to support TEPC (Trusts, Estates, and Private Clients) efforts and other business development opportunities.
• Collaborate with other departments to develop strategies for reaching new consignors and ensuring seamless client service.

Education & Experience

• Graduate Gemologist degree required, with a minimum of 10 years of experience in the jewelry industry; hands-on experience with diamonds, colored stones, and signed jewelry is expected.
• 5–8 years of appraisal experience, with a strong working knowledge of current market pricing for a wide range of jewelry.
• Extensive knowledge of contemporary, antique, and vintage jewelry required.
• Auction house experience is strongly preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 25% and effectively manage team members across locations.
• Active involvement and strong connections within the jewelry industry, such as membership in organizations like WJA, GIA Alumni, GemX, or ASJRA, is highly desirable.

Skills

• Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong client service orientation with professionalism and discretion.
• Detail-oriented with excellent follow-up, multitasking, and time management abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word and Excel).
• Able to thrive in fast-paced environments, work under pressure, and meet strict deadlines.
• Highly motivated and eager to contribute to a dynamic team.

Physical Needs

• Perform light physical tasks, including lifting and moving items such as boxes, files, and other materials up to 20 pounds, unless otherwise specified.
• Operate standard office equipment proficiently, including phones, computers, copiers, and other commonly used devices or software applications.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal teams and external contacts; sufficient hearing is required for routine interactions.
• Understand and accurately process written materials and documentation.
• Work efficiently in a traditional office environment, including extended periods of sitting, with the flexibility to adapt to various work settings as needed.

Values

• Excellence: Setting the standard in auction and appraisal services through expertise and meticulous attention to detail.
• Integrity: Upholding honesty and transparency in all interactions with clients, partners, and colleagues.
• Judgment: Incorporating experience, empathy, and integrity to always deliver client centric decisions and actions that uphold our brand.
• Collaboration: Working together with our team and clients to achieve shared goals and exceed expectations.
• Responsiveness: Delivering timely and tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of every client.

What We Offer

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Choose from Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision & Dental Plans (PPO & HDHP options available).
• Generous Paid Time Off.
• 11 Paid Holidays – Enjoy 11 company-paid holidays throughout the year.
• Extended Holiday Office Closure.
• Up to 12 Weeks of Fully Paid Parental Leave.
• Company-Paid Short Term Disability Insurance.
• Company-Paid Group Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).