Senior Specialist Alexis Vourvoulis. Photography by Lindsey Kent.
Los Angeles is steeped in glamour, and some of the most important jewels in history have walked down our red carpets.
PHILLIPS: The common perception of Los Angeles style is contemporary and laid back, how does jewelry fit into that lifestyle?
ALEXIS VOURVOULIS: While the sunshine and proximity to the ocean lends itself to a relaxed vibe, the allusion that nobody dresses here is a misnomer. Los Angeles is steeped in glamour, and some of the most important jewels in history have walked down our red carpets. The juxtaposition of old Hollywood and contemporary Los Angeles sets the perfect backdrop for jewelry. In this city anything goes and jewelry can be worn and enjoyed in a relaxed and approachable way.
Specialist Pick: A diamond and turquoise necklace by Lalaounis, part of a single-owner collection from a Los Angeles collector being offered in the upcoming Jewels and More online sale in September.
P: What advice can you give to new jewelry collectors buying at auction?
AV: As simple as this may sound, my advice is to buy what you like and build a relationship with a specialist. Jewelry is a unique department because it is highly personal and very technical, there is a lot to consider especially when purchasing a gemstone or diamond. Specialists have extensive knowledge and expertise; they understand the market and they love to share their knowledge. You can, and should, use that to your full advantage.
Specialist Pick: A multistrand diamond briolette and gold necklace being offered in the upcoming Jewels and More online sale in September.
P: Tell us a little about your passion for jewelry and how you made your way to Phillips?
AV: I feel in love with jewelry 15 years ago when I took an inventory job at a high-end retail store in Carmel, California. Knowing absolutely nothing about jewelry, my plan was to work for one year, save every penny, and move to Paris. About two months later, I handled my first Art Deco bracelet by Cartier, and I was obsessed. One year turned into five, I took a detour to the GIA in Carlsbad for my Graduate Gemology degree, and finally made it to Paris in 2012 to study design and fabrication à la méthode française at the Haute Ecolé de Joaillerie.
Living and studying in Paris elevated my technical and historical knowledge of jewelry. I was also struck by the cultural heritage of jewelry in France.
Living and studying in Paris elevated my technical and historical knowledge of jewelry. I was also struck by the cultural heritage of jewelry in France. Inspired, I started a niche business offering private historical jewelry tours. It was a true passion project for me and made the transition into auction a natural choice.
When Susan Abeles, Head of Jewelry for the Americas, asked me to come to Phillips I knew it was the next step for me. We previously worked together at Bonhams and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to join her team.
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