Auction cataloguer

Pay in the destination countries

Monthly, in US dollars. Each country is an Imora admission package — open one for that route's fees, language requirement and deadline.

What does the day look like?

Your day splits into physical inspection and desk research. About 35% is at the bench with a 10x triplet loupe, binocular gemological microscope, refractometer, polariscope, 365 nm / 254 nm ultraviolet box, Leveridge gauge, digital carat scale and presidium gem tester. You test metal with a touchstone and electronic tester, record dimensions and estimated carat weight, read French eagles, British assay hallmarks, maker marks and serial numbers, then write a concise scholarly entry in Sotheby's, Christie's or Phillips house style.

About 25% is provenance and data entry against Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Boucheron archives, past sale catalogues, Artnet and Artprice, entered in SAP, Sotheby's enterprise platforms or Christie's CMS with dimensions, weight, certificates and condition notes. About 20% is written condition reports and handling pieces in previews, noting chips, solder repairs, replaced clasps and altered settings. About 15% is staging lots for studio photographers and proofreading print and app entries, plus 5% vault moves, tagging and transfers to GIA, Gübelin and SSEF. Hours are Monday through Friday, 09:00 to 18:00, 40 hours per week, with no routine nights, rising to 55 to 60 hours per week for 2 to 3 weeks before the autumn and spring sales in Geneva, London, Paris, Hong Kong and New York.

Where does this lead?