Important Jewels
Leonard Joel presents three Important Jewels auctions annually in Sydney, with a focus on international, designer and signed jewellery.
Leonard Joel boasts the largest and longest running auction jewellery marketplace in Australia. Important Jewels leads this category and provides a suite of bespoke services including specialist advice and expertise, valuations and tailored solutions for clients wishing to present an important piece or collection to market, or looking to purchase an investment piece.
The department is led by Hamish Sharma, Australia’s most credentialed auction jewellery expert, having begun at Bonhams & Goodman in Sydney many years ago and most recently completed a decade as the Head of Jewels at Sotheby’s Australia.
In 2021, Leonard Joel sold a magnificent 20.05 carat diamond ring for $1,625,000 IBP, making it the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction in Australia.
In FY22-23, Leonard Joel retained it’s market leading position for jewellery, with 71% of the market share. (Data based on published results from major Australian auction houses jewellery sales between 1 July 2022 – 30 June 2023.)
Important Jewels Auction Highlights
Important Jewels Specialists
Hamish Sharma
Head of Important Jewels
Contact HamishHamish Sharma has over forty years of jewellery industry experience, including the sourcing, presentation, valuation, auction appraisal and promotion of rare and fine jewellery. As a trader in antique jewellery through leading international auction houses in Geneva, London, and New York, Hamish developed a thorough understanding of the auction industry and was appointed Head of Jewels of Sotheby's Australia in 2010.
As Head of Important Jewels at Leonard Joel, Hamish provides a suite of bespoke services for clients wishing to acquire or sell an important piece.
Lauren Boustridge
Senior Jewels Specialist & Administrator
Contact LaurenLauren’s experience in the jewellery industry extends from New Zealand to Europe. She has trained and worked with prestigious brands such as Chaumet, Rolex, and Tiffany & Co. She joins Leonard Joel from Webb’s Auctions in New Zealand, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Important Jewels department.
Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Victoria University of Wellington and completed her Graduate Gemmologist Diploma at the GIA in London. Her personal jewellery style is varied, and she is often found playfully styling mixed metals, eras, and colours harmoniously.
Our Departments
Leonard Joel offers specialist experience and regular, curated auctions across a diverse range of categories.
Important Collections
Over our 100 year history, Leonard Joel has been entrusted with the auction of some of the most interesting and important collections in Australia.
Jewellery
Founded over four decades ago, Leonard Joel’s Jewellery department leads the market in Australia with regular, curated auctions in Melbourne and Sydney.
Art
Leonard Joel’s Art Department offers expertise and extensive market knowledge in traditional, modern, international and contemporary art.
Decorative arts
Leonard Joel presents fine European and Australian interiors in curated collections.
Asian Art
Featuring important Chinese jade, ceramics and textiles, Himalayan, Indian, Japanese and Korean works of art.
Modern Design
Modern Design is one of Leonard Joel’s most dynamic and increasingly popular collecting categories.
Luxury
Unique to the Australian marketplace, Leonard Joel’s Luxury department offers vintage and contemporary handbags and accessories.
Collectables
Leonard Joel provides unrivalled expertise in this eclectic collecting category.