Bonhams Expands Global Jewelry Department

RAPAPORT... Bonhams has hired Eleonora D'Ottavi in its latest effort to build up its global jewelry business.D'Ottavi will join the auction house as head of jewelry for Italy, responsible for providing valuation services and sourcing gems that Bonhams will sell at its New York, London and Hong Kong auctions."Eleonora brings the ideal combination of international experience and proven commercial ability to help build Bonhams's jewelry business in Italy," Jean Ghika, global head of jewelry for Bonhams, said last week.Prior to Bonhams, D'Ottavi worked for Christie's, spending five years as a junior jewelry specialist in the auction house's Rome, Paris and Geneva offices. She will be based in Rome.D'Ottavi's hire follows that of luxury specialist Bobbie Hu, who joined Bonhams in October as chairman for greater China. In her role, Hu will primarily be in charge of growing the jewelry business in the region for the auction house. She previously spent 18 years with Bulgari, becoming high-jewelry director for greater China in 2015, before which she worked at Sotheby's and Christie's.Image: EleonoraD'Ottavi. (Bonhams)