Department Assistant (Temporary), Jewelry
Job Details
Support the New York Jewelry Department at Christie's by managing consignments, auction preparation, and exhibitions while assisting specialists with cataloguing, photography, and client interactions. The temporary role offers direct exposure to high-value rare jewelry auctions and requires strong organizational skills, ability to work under pressure during Luxury Week, and proficiency in administrative tasks including research, condition documentation, and cross-departmental coordination.
About the Role
Department Assistant (Temporary), Jewelry
The Company
Christie's, the world's largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Art Departments or in our more Operational focused teams we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this over 250 year old company, steeped in history, bringing constant innovation whilst not forgetting our age old values; Respect, Passionate Expertise, Exceptional Client Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Business Judgement & Innovation. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is constantly inspiring to work with industry leaders across all segments of the business.
Why This Role Matters
The Department Assistant role will be based in the New York Jewelry Department and offers exposure to the auction industry and the world of rare and important jewelry. This role provides support to Specialists and Business Management, assisting with consignment, auction preparation and exhibition. The successful candidate must be a dynamic problem solver, organized, calm under pressure and be able to communicate with professionalism and clarity to key stakeholders across the Jewelry Department.
How You'll Make an Impact
- General department administrative tasks as assigned by line manager
- Ensure incoming consignments are tagged promptly and handed off to the appropriate specialists for cataloguing and photography, maintain consignor binders for upcoming auctions
- Ensure gemological certificates are tagged and scanned in advance of the auction goes live on the Christie's website
- Assist in taking condition images and videos before the auction viewings
- Research lots including authenticity, bibliography, provenance and exhibition history using publications, libraries and online resources
- Support sale coordinators and managers on exhibitions requiring carryout of various tasks throughout the building, including set up and breakdowns
- Escort clients from the galleries to the Jewelry Department for meetings and greet clients during the exhibition
- Work closely, efficiently, and effectively with other specialist departments, particularly Client Service and Operations
- Answer and screen incoming telephone calls
- This role will require working all dates of the exhibition during Luxury Week, including the weekend
- Other various projects as assigned by line manager
What You'll Bring to the Team
- 2+ years of experience in client service, retail or luxury goods industry (preferred)
- Passionate commitment to client service and the ability to manage the details of a service level with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication
- Capacity to be proactive, self-start and organize multiple projects at all times while remaining calm under pressure
- Superior client service skills. Candidate must be able to engage with a range of clients from external vendors to top clients, senior management as well as peers with consistency and grace
- Excellent general IT skills and knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
- Strong follow-up skills with attention to detail
- Willingness to work long hours and to go above and beyond to work in and support a team environment
- Interest in jewelry preferred
Equal Employment Opportunity
Christie's, Inc. is committed to principles of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and to compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, Christie's Inc. ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status or liability status for service in the United States Armed Forces.
Compensation Range
Hourly: $22.00 - $24.00
Closing Date
August 7th, 2026
*Posted salary range does not include discretionary bonus compensation and overtime pay.