GENEVA.- Phillips announced appointment of Benoît Repellin as Worldwide Head of Jewellery. Based in Geneva, the appointment affirms the company’s international investment in the category across the Americas, Europe and Asia.
Mr. Repellin joined Phillips a year ago as Head of Jewellery, Europe, before stepping in as the interim Worldwide Head in the second half of 2022. During this time, he greatly contributed to the success of the Fall season that included the sale of a 4.05 carat Fancy Intense Pink oval diamond, which sold for $1.9 million, and a brilliant cut D Flawless diamond of 26.12 carats, which achieved $2.5 million.
Stephen Brooks, Phillips Chief Executive Officer, said, “As a seasoned specialist and dynamic auctioneer, Benoît has brought to Phillips a depth of knowledge and expertise that has championed our Jewels department, achieving successful sales in both Hong Kong and New York over the past two seasons. The global team welcomes Benoît as he assumes his new position and we look forward to the continued growth and expansion of the Jewels department.”
Mr. Repellin joined Phillips with over 10 years of experience and having worked extensively within the European market. As a seasoned Auctioneer, he conducted the jewellery auctions in Europe and remains committed to utilising his wealth of knowledge and expertise to enrich and bolster Phillips' Jewellery department on a global scale, all while fortifying Phillips Jewels' commanding presence in Europe. His endeavours involve frequent travel to various locations across the globe where he fosters networks of collectors and jewellery dealers, working collaboratively with teams in New York, London, Hong Kong and Geneva.
The development of the Jewels department is part of Phillips’ significant expansion of recent years, adding a complementary category to the company’s fast-growing areas of focus in the 20th and 21st centuries. Phillips achieved a record annual total for global Jewellery auctions in 2021, posting a 75% increase from 2019, along with a highly successful close to the 2022 sale season, solidifying the department's position within the auction industry. Most recently, Phillips achieved a record year for Jewels auctions in Asia, with the November sales in Hong Kong seeing significant growth season on season. Looking ahead, the team has consigned the Exceptional and Magnificent Sapphire and Diamond Necklace by Bulgari, set with an unheated Ceylon sapphire weighing 118.35 Carats. The gem is among the largest faceted sapphires ever to appear at auction and will be offered in Hong Kong this May at the newly opened Phillips’ West Kowloon location.
Phillips is a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century art and design. With dedicated expertise in the areas of 20th Century and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewelry, Phillips offers professional services and advice on all aspects of collecting. Auctions and exhibitions are held at salerooms in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, while clients are further served through representative offices based throughout Europe, the United States and Asia. Phillips also offers an online auction platform accessible anywhere in the world. In addition to providing selling and buying opportunities through auction, Phillips brokers private sales and offers assistance with appraisals, valuations, and other financial services.
