Cataloguer at Christies in London

Cataloguer

Location: London

The Company

Christie’s, the world’s largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Art Departments, or in one of our more Operational teams, we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this 260 year old company, steeped in history, bringing fresh ideas whilst not forgetting our shared values; Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility & Relationships. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is inspiring to work with industry leaders across our business every day.

Your role

The Cataloguer plays a key role in the production of all department catalogues and valuations throughout the year.

Responsibilities include processing jewellery consigned for sale, conducting research, writing and proofreading catalogue entries, overseeing expertise and authentication processes, and supporting valuation activities.

What could your typical day look like?

• Catalogue property for auctions, private sales and valuations in accordance with Christie’s processes.

• Conduct provenance research using libraries, online databases, and auction sale catalogues.

• Review authenticity and condition issues with specialists, flagging any concerns in a timely manner.

• Assist specialists with valuations for sale and insurance, business development, and proposals for business getting.

• Coordinate with photographers and image editors to prepare lot photography and sign off final images.

• Assist with proofreading the sale in full, including catalogue text, images, and lot essays, and prepare lot cards for sale exhibition.

• Prepare condition reports and provide them to clients upon request.

• Assist clients in the gallery during sale exhibitions, private viewings, and events.

• Maintain and update the department’s library and research resources.

• Collaborate with the Inventory Controller and Sale Coordinator to prepare shipping documentation for tours and exhibitions (pro forma invoices, export licences, etc.).

• Support the Sale Coordinator to organise expert assessments (certificates, testing, workshops, etc.).

• Support the team with client walk in valuations

What you’ll bring to the team:

• A gemmology qualification is an advantage.

• Minimum of 2 years’ professional experience in the jewellery industry.

• Strong understanding of the art market and auction industry.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with exceptional attention to detail and ability to conduct thorough high quality research.

• Strong organisational skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks while prioritising effectively, provide prompt follow-up, and remain calm in a fast-paced environment.

• Team-oriented mindset with an ability to work alone when required.

What’s great about working for us:

• 25 days annual leave + 1 day Birthday leave

• Christie’s Christmas office closure (guaranteed between 25th Dec – 2nd Jan) – in additional to annual leave: almost two weeks to fully switch off and spend time with friends and family

• Additional 1 week’s annual leave within the year of a 5 year anniversary i.e 5th, 10th, 15th and so on

• Volunteering day: Take an additional day of annual leave to volunteer for a charitable organisation that’s important to you

• Donation matching of up to £500 per annum to help you support the organisations you care about

• Flexible Fitness Fund - £400 per year expense allowance for health and wellness related activity (taxable)

• Access to world-renowned art: with regular exhibitions in our galleries to wander around and exclusive guided tours hosted by specialist colleagues

• Discretionary Bonus (dependent on the business and employee performance payable in March each year)

• Generous retirement plan: We will double match your pension contribution up to 5% of your basic salary (Max 10% contribution from Christie’s)

• Private Health Insurance – no employee contribution needed, subsidised for other family members

• Dental Insurance – (may be extended at personal cost)

• Generous Income Protection Insurance in the event of accident, sickness or injury

• Competitive Life Insurance policy from first day

• Employee Assistance Programme – access to personal advice and support services including counselling

• Eyecare vouchers (once a year)

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Christie’s Extras – discounts on over 800 retailers, holiday packages, dinners and weekly shops

• Robust family first policy:

• 16 weeks full pay on Maternity Leave

• Four day week, for eight weeks, at full pay on return from Maternity Leave

• Dependent back-up care: 10 sessions/ days of childcare or eldercare per year

• The Stork Club: Our community of parents who meet regularly over breakfasts, lunch, afternoon tea…

*Christie’s reserves the right to change company benefits at any time

Closing date: Sunday 22nd November 2027

Salary: £32,000

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