First State Auctions is proud to provide a fun, professional fine jewellery auction experience. Throughout the year, our team will hold auctions throughout Australia and the region, with our friendly staff always on hand to assist first-time bidders or regulars with any queries. We do our best to make the day stress-free and user-friendly, to ensure you can focus on bidding yourself to a bargain or two!

Having established the region’s first auction of this kind back in 1995, we have built up years of experience in delivering a first-class product – from our auctioneers to the items they are announcing.

We hope the following information will further enhance your enjoyment on the day.

STEP 1: REGISTRATION
An important part of the bidding process is ensuring you are registered to bid! On auction day, First State Auctions will be open to the public, entry is free. Your first stop is to register with our friendly team at the front desk. You will need to bring some form of photo ID with you – it is a condition of entry.

Once you’ve registered, you’ll get your very own bidder number, along with an itemised catalogue listing the lots to be auctioned on the day. You’re ready to go!

STEP 2: VIEWING
It’s one thing to view an item online, but nothing compares to seeing it up close. Viewing starts from opening time, and runs throughout the day. The only time you cannot view items is during the auctioneer’s very important introduction! While the auction is taking place however, you are more than welcome to view the items.

All items are displayed in glass cabinets for easy viewing, and we have staff members on hand to assist with any queries.

First State Auctions also provides qualified Diamond Graders and Gemmologists to help you to make a more informed purchase. We encourage you to seek out their opinion of anything you are unsure of. Additionally, we guarantee the authenticity of each and every catalogue description. As you browse, you will also notice some items display certificates. These are independent certifications, provided on bigger ticket items.

STEP 3: THE AUCTION
Lights. Cabinet. Auction!
The Auctioneer begins his introduction at 1pm sharp and the cabinets are temporarily closed during this time. The introduction is an important part of the day, where the Auctioneer will explain the terms and conditions, as well as giving an overview of First State Auctions’ history and reputation.

Then it’s time to get started. Lots are auctioned in catalogue order (allowing you to plan your breaks accordingly!) with each lot taking approximately one minute. An auction will typically take a little over three hours.

If you’re unable to stay for the duration of the auction, but would like to bid on an item, please see the First State Auctions staff at the reception. They will assist you in placing a maximum bid or a telephone bid.

And of course, if you have any other questions on the day, don’t hesitate to ask!

COLLECTIONS
Once you have bid successfully on a piece, you proceed to the Invoicing Counter. First State Auctions accepts a range of payment methods including cash and credit card, and once you have paid in full, you can collect your piece immediately.

Alternatively, we allow customers to pay 20% deposit on the day, with the full amount due within three working days, at which time you may collect your item.

See you at the next auction!

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