Phillips auction house launches Flawless, a retail jewellery platform

London based Phillips auction house is moving beyond physical exhibitions and has launched a new platform for retailing jewellery, Flawless. The platform offers jewellery from renowned houses such as Cartier, Chaumet, Mauboussin, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels for immediate purchase.

The auction house plans to ramp up its jewellery retail, given that it is a fast-growing department for the company. The new platform also marks a long-term association with British jeweller Shaun Leane, who is known for his sculptural designs and partnership with Alexander McQueen.

Paul Redmayne, Head of Private Sales, Jewellery, said, “Dovetailing with Phillips’ global Jewels department, Flawless provides an additional platform for, both, online and offline sales for anything from a 1-carat engagement ring to a 10-carat Vivid Pink diamond or an Art Deco Tutti Frutti Cartier bracelet, thus enabling us to engage instantly with collectors 365 days a year in the medium of their choice – WhatsApp, WeChat, text, email, phone, etc. In addition, Flawless will showcase the collections of jewellers of today and tomorrow, giving them their rightful voice in what is traditionally a heritage market.”

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Flawless is offering a curated collection of 12 high and fine creations of Shaun Leane for private sale. The award-winning designer will also design special pieces for what Phillips calls a selling exhibition, to mark the 21^st anniversary of his brand, the House of Shaun Leane. These will be sold by Phillips in London and New York in 2021.

“I am delighted to partner with Phillips on the launch of Flawless – it is a wonderful platform to showcase our fine and high jewellery, and the start of an exciting journey. Their unrivaled reputation for celebrating the pioneers of contemporary art and design is a deeply flattering testament to my work and it will be a huge honour to exhibit in such a dynamic and prestigious setting in 2021, as we continue to celebrate jewellery as one of today’s most powerful and energetic art forms,” commented Leane.

The designer recently launched his eponymous book Shaun Leane, published by ACC Art Books, chronicling his illustrious career and featuring essays by leading gemologists and jewellery historians.

The new platform is born out of Phillips’ understanding of what the market demands. Bloomberg Quint reported that the auction house plans to turn their jewellery department into a standalone retail operation, just as they have done with watches.

Sotheby’s is also expanding its retail operations. Last week, the Financial Times reported that Sotheby’s is opening a luxury shop in its London building. The showroom will be available to art dealers, artists and jewellers for six weeks at a time.

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