Claudia Florian, G.J.G., Co-Consulting Director, Natural History

Claudia Florian comes to her position in the Natural History Department with more than 26 years experience in the auction business.  Her responsibilities as Co-Consulting Director include business getting, appraisals and organizing sales of world-class minerals, gemstones, jewelry and carvings.  Since joining Bonhams & Butterfields in 2003, Florian has created specialized theme sections within these auctions, which include exotic gemstone jewelry, décor, Lapidary Works of Art, The "100 Carats Club", Rough and Cut, and highlighted theme minerals in order to distinguish the firm from competitors. 

Always on the hunt for designs incorporating rare and unusual gemstones, she takes particular pleasure in seeking out established and emerging contemporary designers and lapidary artists, showcasing examples of their work with biographies in each of the Natural History auctions.

As the former Director of Jewelry for Sotheby's in Hong Kong, she has considerable experience selling fine quality gemstones and estate jewelry to a discerning clientele.  Florian's previous experience with Natural History began in 1995 when, as Senior Vice President in charge of the New York branch of Phillips Fine Art Auctioneers, where she oversaw the establishment of the first US-based Natural History department.