焦点 JNA January/February 2023 | 19 Sotheby’s Buy Now online platform, for example, allows collectors to buy and sell beyond the traditional auction calendar, granting them a 24/7, 365-day access to luxury, fine and decorative art and objects at a variety of price points. Kim said 91 per cent of its auction bids are placed online. Digital initiatives are also critical elements of business generation campaigns, promotion and selling, according to Lau of Phillips Jewels. “PhillipsJewels’ fall auction in2022sawanunprecedented level of online bidding activity, with 78 per cent of total participants participating online,” shared Lau. “Expanding our online auctions since 2021 has successfully attracted a new generation of international bidders. We will continue to develop our online capabilities in the years to come.” 2023 onwards Christie’s is cautiously optimistic about business in 2023 but steady demand in Asia, coupled with significant improvements in travel restrictions in Hong Kong, China and the wider region, could bode well for growth in Asia, explained Belin. With travel almost back on track, the company is gearing up for in-person events once again. “While there may undoubtedly be some hesitancy in the market, we will continue to engage and empower collectors through inspiring and educational non-selling exhibitions and initiatives, and thoughtfully curated sales,” he added. Whittaker of Fellows is also taking into account global uncertainties that could continue to impact the auction business, but this should not be a deterrent to success. Throughout the year, the company will focus on delivering a positive auction process for bidders and vendors. Fellows is holding more than 120 auctions in 2023. Sotheby’s meanwhile is more upbeat about 2023 as the company celebrates its 50th anniversary in Asia. Cementing its commitment to further growing its business in the region is the opening of a new state-of-the art exhibition space in Hong Kong in 2024 and a new headquarters in Shanghai. “We hope to be able to lead a strong year with our exhibitions and auctions throughout Asia as the market opens in Hong Kong and beyond. We are also optimistic about our future growth in Hong Kong and China,” remarked Kim. Lau of Phillips Jewels revealed that international clients are increasingly viewing jewellery as a collecting category, the same way as fine art, and this trend is expected to continue in 2023. “In turbulent times, collectors/investors look for new opportunities to preserve and grow their wealth, so they buy exceptional jewels and gems to build or boost their collections,” she noted. A gemstone’s origin alongside its natural beauty sans any treatment will continue to influence buying decisions at auctions. Kashmir and Burmese sapphires, “Pigeon’s Blood” Burmese rubies, Colombian no-oil emeralds with high degrees of clarity as well as fancy colour diamonds will also be highly coveted, added Lau. Bonhams’ Young said jewellery trends will take cues from the fashion industry in 2023. For example, pearls and brooches are currently making waves in fashion circles, and Bonhams has witnessed rising appetite for these items in recent sales. Heritage names are also expected to perform well in the market as much as the individual stones. “Collectors who are already investing in high-quality gemstones will continue to do so in 2023. There is an understanding that very high-quality and rare pieces, which appear at auction do not come to the market often and buyers are therefore keen on securing them regardless of the overall market sentiment,” explained Young. The Rock, the largest white diamond ever offered at auction at 228.31 carats, sold for US$21.7 million at Christie’s Geneva © Christie’s Images Limited 2022; the 15.10-carat De Beers Blue diamond achieved US$57.5 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong; an emerald and diamond ring offered by Phillips Jewels inHong Kong; the 18.18-carat Fortune Pink diamond fetchedUS$28.8million at Christie’s Geneva © Christie’s Images Limited 2022 The Rock，一颗228.31克拉的白钻，在日内瓦佳士得以2,170万美元成交; 重15.10克拉的De Beers Blue钻石在香港苏富 比以5,750万美元成交; 富艺斯珠宝在香港地区拍卖的祖母绿钻石戒指; 重18.18克拉的Fortune Pink钻石在日内瓦佳士得以2,880万美元成交 <35% Increase in number of new buyers at Sotheby’s in 2022 despite the challenging market 尽管面对市场挑战， 苏富比于2022年的新买家人数仍录得此增长
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