Dix Noonan Webb expands its expertise with new jewellery department

Dix Noonan Webb will open a new jewellery department on 11 November 2015. The new section will be headed by Frances Noble who will be assisted by Laura Smith, both of whom are joining DNW from Bonhams. The new department will initially hold three specialist auctions during 2016 at the company’s headquarters in Mayfair. The sales will include antique and modern diamond, pearl and gem set jewellery, wrist watches, pocket watches and associated ‘objects of virtue’.

“I am thrilled to be joining Dix Noonan Webb to head its new jewellery department in Mayfair and delighted to be working with such a professional and experienced team of specialists,” says Frances. “With the back-up of DNW’s state-of-the-art auction technology, I am hugely looking forward to the challenge of building up a new jewellery department and bringing a new dimension to such a highly regarded auction house.”

Pierce Noonan, a partner at Dix Noonan Webb, says: “This is an exciting new expansion for the company which over the past 25 years has established a strong reputation for expertise in the highly competitive and exacting fields of medals, militaria, coins, tokens and paper money. Our philosophy has always been to employ the best available experts in their fields and we are therefore particularly pleased to be able to welcome Frances Noble and Laura Smith to our team, who between them have a wealth of experience and know only too well the high standards that are required to run a successful specialist department."

After graduating with a degree in History of Art and Architecture, Frances Noble started her career at Phillips auctioneers in Bond Street in 1987 working as PA to the Chairman Christopher Weston. She then seized an opportunity to train as a jewellery and silver specialist at the Phillips Oxford saleroom. After the merger of Phillips and Bonhams in 2001 she gained her professional gemmology qualifications, achieving the Diamond Grading Diploma (DGA) and becoming a Fellow of the Gemmological Association (FGA).

As head of the jewellery department at Bonhams Oxford, Frances oversaw the development of an expanding and highly successful jewellery team with the number of specialist auctions increasing from four to 11 per year by 2014. Frances was also responsible for sourcing high value jewellery for sale in London, Hong Kong and the United States. Frances is a keen member of the Society of Jewellery Historians and has contributed articles to numerous professional magazines and publications as well as giving talks and speaking at charitable events to encourage others in her passion for jewellery. She has two teenage sons and lives in Buckinghamshire.

Frances will be joined at DNW by jewellery specialist and auctioneer Laura Smith, who has more than 11 years' experience. After graduating from Exeter University with a degree in Ancient History and Archaeology, Laura joined Bonhams Oxford saleroom as a trainee in the jewellery department in 2004. She worked her way up to become a specialist whilst simultaneously obtaining further qualifications including the Diamond Grading Diploma (DGA) and becoming a Fellow of the Gemmological Association (FGA).

During her time in Oxford, Laura assisted the network of Bonhams offices throughout the South West with jewellery valuations and when it was decided that a full-time specialist was required, she was offered the position. She relocated to Wiltshire and is now looking forward to bringing her enthusiasm and experience to work with the team at DNW.