Jewellery Specialist at Strauss & Co
At Strauss & Co, a jewellery specialist’s day is a blend of creativity, precision, hard work and passion. From the careful selection of gemstones to the artful curation of sales, the role demands a deep knowledge of the industry as well as a keen eye for timeless beauty. Whether collaborating with designers, sourcing rare treasures, or advising clients, every moment is an opportunity to celebrate the brilliance of jewellery. It is a world where each piece tells a story and every auction brings the thrill of discovery to life.
Tell us about a day in the life of a jewellery specialist at Strauss & Co
Kim Goeller: It is an extremely exciting job. We wear our creative and detail-oriented hats daily. We apply our deep understanding of gemstones, diamonds, and metals while collaborating with designers, negotiating with trade, and building relationships with high-net-worth clients. We find ourselves dusting off old jewellery, researching, styling fashion shoots, curating, sourcing, advising and of course selling, on any given day.
Can you tell us about the journey of how you came to be a jewellery specialist?
I had a slightly more organic start, which began with me working as a marketing director for an umbrella company of jewellery brands, retail stores and wholesale entities within the jewellery space. From there it led me to buying and selling gemstones for one of the country’s largest wholesale gem suppliers. I later started my own jewellery design business and brand. This experience as a business owner, brought me to Strauss & Co where I continue to explore the mysterious, glamorous, rough and polished areas of this precious industry.
“Essentially the jewellery needs to shimmer before the sale, the catalogue needs to be detailed, the sellers well informed and the potential bidders advised and guided”
What is the process of putting together a jewellery sale? Can you take us through what goes into each part of the process?
One begins with valuation appointments where we consign suitable jewellery for the various auctions, which are curated and themed. We collect according to suitability — our sales cover many jewellery genres and eras. As an auction nears we prepare photography and fashion-modelled photography for marketing and cataloguing purposes. We communicate the auction with our clients through Press Releases, mailers and social media. We arrange showcasing opportunities, including cocktail events, dialogues and Art Clubs. There’s a fair amount of work to properly prepare for the sale — cataloguing, lotting up, testing and polishing the jewellery. Essentially the jewellery needs to shimmer before the sale, the catalogue needs to be detailed, the sellers well informed and the potential bidders advised and guided.
Can you tell us about some of your favourite auctions and pieces?
My favourite piece sold to date was from our earlier auctions, Jewels Online: LAUNCH EDITION in 2023. It was an 18k yellow gold and green enamel snake bangle, circa 1989 with distinctive snake-skin enamel patterning, tube-set ruby eyes and three round old-cut diamonds. My word, what a piece, it was. Something you don’t see in South Africa – it sold well and was appreciated wide and far. Another unique piece that was spectacularly appealing for me was the 18k two-tone emerald and sapphire fan earrings, with the other channel-set in yellow gold, with 70 multi-shaped emeralds and eight diamonds pavé-set to centre. The jewellery was Italian handmade — an absolute work of art. Inspired by, a master craftsman, a superb find. There are many pieces to relish in an auction. Our live auctions are hugely exciting, and I look forward to the launch day of each sale, there’s always some oversized solitaires and historic anecdotes related to certain items and powerful beautiful pieces hundreds of years old, passed down and down again through families.
You are also involved in different aspects of the business – giving talks etc. Can you tell us about these aspects of your role?
We aim to be versatile and educational in our approach so that buyers feel knowledgeable when bidding on certain pieces. Last year (in 2024), we hosted an educational lecture on gems and jewellery for learners from a school in Johannesburg. It was just wonderful getting to ignite a fascination and excitement in young adults, giving them the understanding that there are many facets to various careers and that jewellery doesn’t mean designing only. But that it can potentially mean growing brands and unlocking antique hinges of uncovered jewellery chests, wearing a hard hat and going underground, learning gemmology, chemistry and history of gems or standing behind the podium hitting the hammer and selling 35 million dollar ruby.
Who is your biggest influence within the jewellery world, and how have they shaped your approach to how you view your work?
In my earlier years, I met two gemmologists, I hung on to every word mentioned and I began building my pool of knowledge from each meeting and interaction. Years later I met a foreign dealer who helped me fine-tune my discerning eye and steer me in a direction of sourcing and seeing not only what was deemed great but to use my judgement too. Today I look up to anyone who knows more than I do — people who I can learn from and are willing to share their teachings.
What is your favourite piece, designer or period – in terms of jewellery?
Art Deco jewellery is hard to beat, for me, the period of anything made between 1920 and 1935 is just spectacular. The old-cut diamonds and gems personally don’t worry me, the workmanship and detailing, the often decorative symmetrical lines, the boldness and use of coloured stones, the lines and spread. Jewellery isn’t as opulent today – for so many reasons but if I could step back in time and adorn myself in shimmer it’d be to the early 20th century.
Do you know the value of your collection?
Inviting consignments of fine jewellery pieces for Strauss & Co’s 2025 auction calendar.
