WHAT ARE PRIVATE SALES?
Private Sales are a discreet and highly bespoke service which connects a specific work of art or object with the ‘wish-list’ of a collector. Acting as broker, Christie’s makes these connections through its global specialist network.
Seasoned collectors or occasional buyers can approach our specialist teams with a specific item they are looking for and Christie’s then use their knowledge of where these objects are currently held to seek out a potential vendor and broker the sale, discreetly.
HOW DO PRIVATE SALES WORK?
Our specialists work one-on-one with consignors and buyers. We offer a bespoke service — helping clients to find specific works of art or object through our network of specialists around the world and then negotiating the exchange. Given our many years of experience in this business, we are fortunate to have privileged access to rare and unique works of art and have the relationships with the current owners to broker a sale.
WHAT CATEGORIES CAN I BUY IN A PRIVATE SALE AT CHRISTIE'S?
Christie’s offers private sales year round in all the categories in which we also conduct auctions. These include post-war & contemporary art, Impressionist & modern art, old master paintings, jewelry, furniture & decorative arts, Asian art, and watches.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT WHAT IS CURRENTLY FOR SALE?
You may contact one of our Specialist Departments to learn about property currently available for private sale
Selling exhibitions are held regularly throughout Christie’s worldwide locations. View our online calendar of upcoming exhibitions
You can see a selection of bespoke works available for purchase today in our online gallery of works available for Private Sale.
CAN I BUY WORKS DIRECTLY FROM A SELLING EXHIBITION?
Yes. Fine art, objects, jewelry, watches, and handbags in our Selling Exhibitions are available for immediate purchase.
ARE PRIVATE SALES CONDUCTED IN ALL CHRISTIE’S LOCATIONS?
Christie’s has a global presence with 54 offices in 32 countries and 12 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Private Sales are conducted in the majority of countries where we have salerooms. This global network is unrivalled within our industry and ensures that our specialists can match objects for sale with people looking to acquire such objects. We leverage our global network to assist you either in selling and/or in acquiring the finest objects specific to your needs.
HOW DO COLLECTORS DECIDE BETWEEN PRIVATE SALES AND AUCTION?
Our clients can choose both or either option. For the buyer, Private Sales are suited to specific requests where a client is absolutely certain of what they are looking for. Should that object be offered at auction in the meantime, then we would be able to help here too.
HOW QUICKLY COULD YOU IDENTIFY PROPERTY THAT CLOSELY MATCHES MY SPECIFICATIONS?
Our search capabilities are unparalleled given our extensive network and ability to swiftly match buyers with sellers.
We always do our utmost to quickly locate the item or items that you desire, but transaction timing may vary depending on the uniqueness and rarity of the object. Our specialists will continue to source possible private sale opportunities until your needs have been met.
HOW DO I PAY FOR MY PURCHASE?
Once our specialists have sourced the object or work of art you wish to purchase, the post-sale service team will send you an invoice, payment instructions and a shipping quote based on your shipping preferences. We accept wire transfers, bank drafts or cashier's orders, cash or checks. Under certain circumstances, some Christie's salerooms may accept payment by credit card.