Marianne Rapp Ohmann (MRO), CEO of Rapp Auctions, in conversation with jewellery expert Gabriela Blöchlinger (GB) and jewellery consultant Françoise Neff (FN) about how she got into the jewellery business, her valuable experiences of all things auction-related and a fascinating preview of what’s in store at the upcoming jewellery auction. We hope you enjoy this exciting and informative read!
MRO: Ms Blöchlinger, you’ve been working as Head of Jewellery Department at Rapp Auctions for about 5 years now. How has your work changed over the past few years?
GB: Rapp Auctions held its first jewellery auction in 2017 with quite a substantial starting bid, but that doesn’t at all compare to the kinds of selection and items have the privilege to auction today. The jewellery pieces, diamonds and gemstones we sell become more exquisite and interesting every year.
MRO: Why is this development so noticeable? What do you think the reasons are for this?
GB: We were fortunate enough to work with a very experienced team of gemologists, experts and consultants right from the get-go. This made it easier to get started. Plus, we’ve benefited greatly from the synergies and structures already in place at the auction house. Rapp Auctions has been a mainstay in the auction market for more than 50 years and we can count highly affluent consignors and sellers among our customers.
MRO: What treasures and gems can we look forward to seeing at the next Rapp auction?
FN: I’ll take this question, as I love jewellery and know the selection inside out ! We have some very sought-after, signed vintage jewellery pieces by Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels, etc., as well as some stunningly beautiful necklaces and rings with heavy diamonds and gemstones – sapphire, emerald and ruby rings, for example. Some are untreated, which means that the large and heavy gemstones in particular are very valuable. But our online auction also features some very beautiful previously-owned pieces, which can be acquired in the CHF 700 price range.
MRO: You maintain many personal contacts with the customers who buy jewellery, diamonds and gemstones at our auctions. What can you tell us about the customers who buy pieces at your auctions?
FN: Our client base is very international. A considerable number of customers buy the pieces via our online auctions without even having seen them in advance, which is why it’s so important that experts and gemologists examine the pieces thoroughly and describe them well. It’s nice to see that our client base sort of ‘rejuvenates itself’ from auction to auction. We now have some very young customers, from Generation Z, who are particularly interested in signed pieces, by Cartier or Van Cleef, for example.
MRO: What’s the best way for someone to proceed if they wish to sell their jewellery?
GB: The reasons why people approach us can vary. Often, they have inherited something, or certain pieces in their collection no longer appeal or don’t fit their current lifestyle. The best way to contact us is by phone, email or WhatsApp. Initially, we determine whether the pieces would have any potential at auction, and then we usually invite the potential seller in for a free consultation. We regularly hold Expert Days at our Rapp Auction House in Wil, but also in Bern, Basel, Zürich and Lucerne as well as in Vaduz in Liechtenstein. We can also often be found in Vienna, Salzburg and Bregenz in Austria. Of course, we also work with customers in Germany, Italy, the UK and the Nordic Countries, as well.
MRO: I see you both love what you do and working with jewellery every day. Is your commitment also reflected in the next auction offer?
FN: Definitely! We’re a solid and well-coordinated team. What’s more, we work closely with experts from other departments such as coins, stamps, watches, porcelain and designer handbags. In Austria, for example, we always find very beautiful Art Deco pieces, and in Italy the jewellery is often lavish and made of yellow gold. It’s this internationality that makes Rapp auction’s selection so diverse.
MRO: What in particular are you looking forward to at the next Rapp auction?
GB: One thing is clear already – the next selection is going to be diverse and of very high quality. I’m looking forward to seeing the pieces beautifully displayed and presented in our gallery.
FN: I’m looking forward to seeing our customers’ eyes light up when they see what we have to offer them, and also to interacting with prospective buyers from near and far.
MRO: Thank you so very much for taking the time to talk to me and for providing such an interesting outlook on the upcoming jewellery auction!
