Jewellery Auction 30 April 2026
Consigning Now - Fine Jewellery & Timepieces July 2026
Five Easy Steps to Buying Jewellery at Auction
Purchasing jewellery at auction may seem intimidating if you’re unfamiliar with the process. At Kooyong Fine Auctions, we will guide you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and rewarding experience. We guarantee the authenticity of every item based on our comprehensive catalogue descriptions. Once you understand how straightforward the process is, you’ll discover the value of acquiring rare, exquisite pieces—often at a fraction of retail prices.
Here are five simple steps to help you navigate the auction process:
Viewing Before the Auction
Begin by browsing the online auction catalogue and identifying pieces that interest you. If possible, attend the in-person viewing to carefully inspect items. If you cannot attend, our team is available to answer any questions via phone or email. Common questions include enquiries about manufacturing quality, gem reports, and the overall condition of the piece.
Ensure you’re comfortable with the item’s condition before bidding, as jewellery at auction can range from nearly new to requiring repairs. Items listed as “A/F” indicate they have significant condition issues. For higher-value items, we recommend requesting a condition report via email. Our specialists will provide detailed insights into any noticeable modifications or wear, such as scratches, gem replacements, or repairs.
Once you’re satisfied with the condition and quality, you can bid confidently.
Methods of Bidding
At Kooyong Fine Auctions, there are four ways to participate in the bidding process:
In-Person Auction: Attend the auction in person to experience the traditional excitement of live bidding. The auctioneer will announce each lot and call for bids. Be sure to clearly signal your bid to the auctioneer, and if necessary, catch their attention before the hammer falls. This is often the most engaging way to secure your desired items.
Telephone Bidding: For catalogue auctions, we offer a telephone bidding service. A staff member will contact you as your lot approaches and guide you through the bidding process, placing bids on your behalf up to your pre-set limit. This method is best suited for serious bidders on higher-value items.
Absentee Bidding: If you prefer not to bid live, you can submit an absentee bid by setting your maximum price. The auctioneer will execute this bid with complete transparency and fairness. In cases where multiple absentee bids are identical, the earliest submission takes precedence.
Live Online Bidding: All auctions are live-streamed online via our auction platform. Once registered, you can bid in real time from anywhere. The bidding interface shows the current and next bid, with audible signals to keep you engaged. Be mindful of potential delays between clicking the bid button and the auctioneer receiving your bid.
Register for the Auction
To participate, you’ll need to register, either in person or online. Registration requires identification and a credit card, which will only be charged if payment is not made within the allocated time after the auction. For live online bidding, please ensure you register on the appropriate platform in advance.
Bidding Guide
While estimates are provided, the final hammer price is determined by the market on the day of the auction. Some items may exceed their estimates, while others may sell below.
For absentee bids, you set your maximum bid in advance. The system will then execute bids on your behalf, placing increments only as necessary to secure the item, up to your maximum bid.
For those bidding live, either in-room or online, you control how far you want to go. However, it’s wise to decide on an upper limit beforehand to avoid buyer’s remorse after the hammer falls.
Please keep in mind the 22% buyer’s premium (inclusive of GST) that is added to all winning bids. For example, if the final hammer price is $1,000, the total invoiced amount with the buyer’s premium would be $1,220.
Payment and Collection
Once you’ve secured the highest bid, payment and collection can proceed. Items can be collected immediately after the auction, provided payment has been cleared. If you’re unable to collect in person, Kooyong Fine Auctions can assist with arranging postage or courier services. Delivery costs will vary depending on the method chosen.
Please note that all bids, once taken by the auctioneer at the fall of the hammer, are final. We look forward to welcoming you to our auctions—happy bidding!