NEW YORK, NY.- Phillips announced the appointment of Susan Abeles as the Head of Jewelry for the Americas and Senior International Specialist. She is based in the company’s New York headquarters.

Ms. Abeles will design and implement a strategy for Phillips’ jewelry business in the Americas, one of the fastest-growing categories in the auction world. In her new role, she will be responsible for building a team in New York, working with new and existing clients on consignment opportunities, and creating cross-marketing opportunities within Phillips.

The development of the Jewelry department is part of Phillips’ significant expansion of recent years, adding a complimentary category to the company’s fast-growing areas of focus in the 20th and 21st centuries. The company plans to hold its first New York jewelry auction under Ms. Abeles’ direction in the fall season.

Ms. Abeles joins Phillips from Bonhams, where she was Director of Jewelry for the U.S., cultivating networks of collectors, dealers and curators and maintaining best-in‐class knowledge of the jewelry market. Prior to Bonhams, she worked at Lee Siegelson, a highly respected high-end contemporary and vintage jewelry retailer, and also spent seven years at Christie’s as Vice President of Jewelry.

“We are delighted to have Susan join our team as we’re building extraordinary momentum around the world,” said Edward Dolman, Chief Executive Officer. “It’s the right time to expand our Jewelry department and I am confident that Susan will create an innovative and contemporary jewelry offering that will appeal to the increasing number of collectors of art, watches and design.”

Ms. Abeles will work closely with Terry Chu, who as Head of Phillips’ Jewelry department in Asia led the company’s first two successful auctions in Hong Kong. She will also work with Myriam Christinaz, Managing Director, Geneva; Sarah O’Brien, International Business Development Director for Jewelry in London; and Nazgol Jahan, International Specialist in New York.

“There is tremendous opportunity to build a highly competitive jewelry business with a modern sensibility in today’s auction market,” said Ms. Christinaz, Managing Director of Geneva. “Susan’s creativity, dynamism and experience will help us grow in this important category and present our clients with a well-rounded offering of exceptional jewels.”

In March, Phillips will host Lauren Adriana, Jewels Now, a selling exhibition of the work of Ms. Adriana, one of the world’s foremost designers of contemporary jewelry. Presenting over 50 jewels and accompanying design ‘paint-ups,’ the travelling exhibition will present an immersive experience with a strong narrative that explores the artistic and creative aspects of jewelry. The exhibition will be open to the public in New York from 8-14 March at 450 Park Avenue, after which it will travel to London, where it will be on view from 20-25 March at 30 Berkeley Square.