Job Description

About Bonhams

Bonhams is a global auction house with an 18th century heritage poised for transformative change. Our global operations are based in London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong where we sell in over 60 categories, including motor cars, paintings, jewelry, and entertainment memorabilia.

Our employees are passionate about their work, and we pride ourselves on a bespoke approach that aims to make every client feel important. It is an exciting time for our business and our global leadership team of art world professionals are now ready to for a People focused team to help them develop their talent strategy, strengthen our people brand globally, build organizational capability and drive process improvement.

Bonhams is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.


About the Role

Bonhams is seeking talented, hard-working Generalist Appraiser to join our international auction house. Over the past few years, Bonhams has handled exceptional property and set record-breaking prices in Fine Art, Asian Art, Jewelry, Books and Motor Cars. We have made tremendous investments in our technology platform becoming one of the most innovative, auction houses to offer sales globally online, focusing on mid-market prices.


This position can be based in our Los Angeles or New York office.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Conduct onsite fair market value appraisals for estate tax, planning and distribution, as well as for insurance coverage
• Focus valuation efforts on fine art, furniture, decorative arts, and general household items in an accurate, timely manner and engage specialist in other categories when appropriate.
• Collaborate with specialists on both coasts to confirm appraised values and cataloging information for higher valued items and for items which require additional research and expertise
• Serve as department liaison between Trusts and Estates and other Bonhams departments regarding Bonhams appraisal services with clients
• Conduct desk and offsite research on subject property, as needed, including literature, exhibition history, and provenance for appraisal and auction projects
• Assist business development team in providing project estimates for appraisal projects
• Attend estate planning and other related conventions as needed by department
• Perform multi-departmental walkthroughs for potential sale as requested

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in art history or the equivalent is preferred
• Minimum of five (10) years of experience valuing traditional furniture and general household content
• Fluency with PC applications including Microsoft Suite and digital image management
• Ability to quickly learn company proprietary database
• Strong proofreading skills and exceptionally detail-oriented
• Successful completion of current USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) course and exam
• Up to date with current US laws, IRS regulations, etc. that are relevant to appraisals/valuations of tangible personal property
• Discretion with the ability to maintain highly sensitive, confidential information
• Proven ability to prioritize multiple projects at a time, while adhering to strict tax deadlines
• Ability to travel to conduct appraisals around North America

What We Offer

In addition to an active and progressive work environment, Bonhams offers a competitive benefits package to encourage work/life balance, including:

• Excellent medical, dental and vision insurance - HMO, EPO, PPO with FSA and HSA
• 20 days paid time off (PTO)
• 12 paid holidays and holiday break from Christmas to New Years Day
• 16 weeks fully paid parental leave and flexible work arrangements
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution
• Life insurance with AD & D
• Short- and long-term disability
• Paid cellphone and data service
• Professional development: tuition reimbursement and free online training library
• Commuter benefits (transit and parking)
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Onboarding buddy: 90 day mentor to welcome and orient new joiners
• Employee resource groups: social club, diversity committee, mentorship program
• Sponsored socials: annual staff art exhibition, annual summer and holiday parties, monthly snacks and treats

Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.

Bonhams participates in E-Verify.

Job Tags

Temporary work, Summer holiday, Work at office, Flexible hours,

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