Auction Houses
Where a ring comes up for sale at hammer rather than over a counter: Koller, Schuler, Rapp, Ineichen and the Swiss offices of Sotheby's and Christie's all run jewellery sales with viewing days open to the public. The appeal is the same as vintage dealing, a design you cannot order new, but the process is different: you bid against other buyers on a fixed date rather than negotiate a price whenever you walk in. Viewing a lot in person before bidding matters more here than photographs ever will. We rank by how regularly a house runs dedicated jewellery sales and how much condition and provenance detail its own catalogue provides.
- 1
Rämistrasse 3, Zürich · seit 1969
A 1969-founded Zurich office of the global Sotheby's network, with named specialists, a Rämistrasse gallery, and free valuations for insurance or estate planning.
- 2
Steinwiesstrasse 26, Zürich (Kreis 7) · seit 1978
Christie's own Zurich office, not a stockist, pairs free valuations and private jewellery sales with entry into the house's global auction calendar.
- 3
Hardturmstrasse 102, Zürich · seit 1958
Zurich's leading auction house since 1958, with free public previews before each of its four annual jewellery sales and passport-only registration for international bidders.
- 4
Seestrasse 341, Zürich-Wollishofen · seit 1984
A family auction house in Zurich-Wollishofen since 1984 with a full English site, published buyer's premium tiers and signed Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels rings in its archive.
- 5
Stadthausquai 11, Zürich · seit 1973
A Zürich watch and jewellery auction house with certified diamond rings, no buyer's premium and English-language bidding for buyers based abroad.
- 6
Fraumünsterstrasse 19, Zürich (entrance Kappelergasse)
A Swiss auction house with weekly Zurich appraisal hours, an English site and a fixed-price shop for buyers who don't want to wait for a sale date.
- 7
Kirchgasse 33, Zürich
The Swiss arm of a Paris auction house, a Zürich viewing gallery, and a fee structure the house actually publishes.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
How can I see the rings in person before bidding begins?
Most auction houses offer viewing days or public previews prior to a sale. Some houses even host weekly appraisal hours or maintain viewing galleries in Zurich to let you inspect pieces firsthand.
Do I need to be in Zurich to participate in an auction?
You don't have to be physically present. Several houses offer English language bidding for international clients and provide registration options for bidders based abroad.
Are there ways to buy jewelry without waiting for an auction date?
Yes, some auction houses maintain a fixed price shop. This is a great option if you want to purchase a piece immediately rather than waiting for a scheduled sale.
What extra costs should I expect beyond the hammer price?
You'll likely encounter a buyer's premium. Some houses publish their specific fee tiers or premium structures on their websites so you can calculate your total cost in advance.
Can I get an appraisal for my own jewelry at these houses?
Many of these institutions offer free valuations for insurance or estate planning purposes. Some even hold dedicated weekly hours specifically for appraisals in Zurich.