I’M NEW TO THIS. HOW DO I BID?
Welcome! It’s really quite simple, and you’ve got a few options. You can simply raise your hand or your bidding card, or you may prefer to call out your bid. The auctioneer also accepts many commonly used hand signals and he will describe these in the introduction.

WHAT IF I CAN’T STAY FOR THE AUCTION BUT WOULD LIKE TO BID ON AN ITEM?
You have two options here. You can either organize a bid over the telephone, or you can leave a bid for the auctioneer to execute on your behalf. Simply speak to the friendly staff at the front desk to arrange either of these options.

WHERE IS THE JEWELLERY FROM?
The jewellery and watches are from either commercial or government sources. Vendors include Australian Federal Police, Commonweath of Australia, as well as credit card companies (in the sale of goods having been recovered from fraudulent transactions).

DO THE AUSTRALIAN AUCTION PRICES INCLUDE GST?
Yes, they do. If travelling overseas, you can reclaim this (subject to Australian Customs guidelines).

WHAT IS AN ESTIMATE?
It is precisely that – an estimate of an item’s value for auction, including Buyer’s Premium. We use our 15 years experience to calculate the estimate, based on current market conditions. The idea is to give the buyer a ‘ballpark’ figure to use as a guide, although of course an item may sell for above or below its estimate.

DO YOUR AUCTIONS HAVE RESERVES?
There are no fixed reserves. The auctioneer can however refuse a bid or pass in an item if the bid is deemed unreasonable.

CAN I SEE ITEMS BEFORE AUCTION?
Absolutely. We typically display our catalogues online 3 days prior to the auction to allow you to browse at your convenience. (Join our mailing list to sign up to receive email notifications.) On the day of course, you’ll have a couple of hours to see the items up close before the fun begins.

CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE GEMMOLOGICAL CERTIFICATES?
First State Auctions uses two types of independent certifications:
Diamond Laboratory Reports: these are conducted by renowned diamond laboratories both here and overseas, with the diamond out of its setting to allow for a more accurate assessment. The report will include a ‘map’ of the diamond, detailing its inclusions, dimensions and proportions. Laboratories we use include Gemological Institute of America, HRD and Gem Studies Laboratories.
Quality Assessments/Certificate of Authenticity: these are conducted on the finished piece of jewellery, with the stones in the setting, to give an approximate grade. Certificates are from independent, specialist jewellery valuers who are both registered gemologists and members of the National Council of Jewellery Valuers. Because diamond grading is not an exact science, these reports represent the best professional opinion of these companies. As such, First State Auctions does not guarantee the independent gradings. The reports are always available to view throughout our auctions, and you should read them carefully. The purchaser will receive the certificates.

WHY DO SOME PIECES NOT HAVE CERTIFICATES?
Because we pay a fee to independent valuers, it is only viable for us to prepare certificates on items we estimate to sell for over $3000. However, First State Auctions always guarantees the catalogue descriptions of every item in any auction.
WHAT IS THE BUYER’S PREMIUM?
This is a percentage that gets added to the auction price and it goes to the Auction House. So let’s say an item sells for $100 with a 15% Buyer’s Premium – this will give a total cost of $115 for the purchaser.

I’VE BOUGHT SOMETHING! HOW DO I PAY?
Congratulations! We have plenty of options. Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Diners Club and even EFTPOS. If you’re paying in full, you can collect the jewellery there and then. Alternatively, you can lodge a 20% deposit on the day and pay the balance within 5 working days (at which point you will receive the item).