Sotheby’s Worldwide Jewelry Chairman Exits

RAPAPORT… Two senior jewelry executives at Sotheby’s have recently stepped down from their roles.

David Bennett, the company’s chief auctioneer and worldwide jewelry chairman, retired earlier this summer following a 42-year career, Sotheby’s told Rapaport News last week. During his time with the auction house, Bennett was named among the top 10 most powerful people in the art world by Art+Auction magazine.

As chief auctioneer for Sotheby’s, he presided over several record-breaking sales, including the historic Bourbon Parma jewels. He also led the sale of three of the five most expensive jewelry pieces in auction history, including the $71.2 million CTF Pink Star in 2017, and the $48.6 million Blue Moon of Josephine in 2015. He earned the nickname “100-carat man” for the sale of seven 100-carat diamonds, each of which established record prices.

Gary Schuler, former jewelry chairman for the Americas, will take over as worldwide chairman for the jewelry division, the auction house noted.

Meanwhile, Daniela Mascetti, senior director and chairman of jewelry for Europe, has also left the company after 40 years, Sotheby’s confirmed. 

Image: David Bennett presiding over the royal Bourbon Parma auction. (Sotheby’s)