Valuations Bios

Emma O'Keeffe

Job Role: Watch Specialist

Experience: 10 years in the industry and 3 years with H&T

I come from Kent, and began my career at a retail jewellery store. After working there as the manager for a number of years, I developed a growing interest in luxury watches and decided to pursue a career in pawnbroking. I’ve learned a huge amount about high-end watches and other luxury items since I started out, and I’m now an in-house Watch Specialist for H&T.
My role is really varied and involves valuing and authenticating high-end watches that come to us here at the Bond Street store. We get watches from a wide range of eras and designers, so there’s always something new to discover and admire. My personal favourite valuation has to be a rose gold Vacheron Constantin Minute Repeater timepiece, and I’m also a huge fan of the Jaeger Le-Coultre brand.

Graham Bond

Job Role: Watch Specialist

Experience: 7 years in the industry and 18 months at H&T

An interest in the rare and unusual inspired me to look into a career in pawnbroking, and I got my first job in the industry when I was 16 and living in Essex. I continued working part- time throughout university and have held various positions throughout my time in the industry, which has afforded me a wealth of knowledge about fine jewellery, high-end watches and other luxury goods.
My current role as one of H&T’s in-house Watch Specialists requires a keen eye for detail, as I need to be able to spot rare items, irregularities and model specifics; not just to authenticate the piece, but to also provide as accurate a valuation as possible. I also get to visit our branches to view rare or unusual watches that need a closer inspection. This is a highlight, as I really enjoy meeting colleagues and teaching them something they may not have known before.
I deal with high-end watches and certain other luxury items on a daily basis, and have become fond of 50’s and 60’s era Omega and Rolex timepieces, with the Universal Polerouter being a particular favourite. My most memorable valuation so far, however, was a Rolex from the 90’s – a stunning 18ct gold Day-Date with pyramid bezel and bracelet.

Laura King

Job Role: Diamond specialist

Experience: 12.5 years in the industry, with almost 6 years at H&T

I hail from from Kent, and have always had a passion for luxury items, diamonds, and gemstones – with Tiffany & Co. and Jaeger Le-Coultre being my favourite brands. I was inspired to seek a career in the jewellery industry, so I applied to a role in my local H&T branch in order to learn about all types of fine jewellery; from antique pieces to modern designs.
Happily, I gained the position and I’ve worked my way up to the role of Diamond Specialist over the last 6 years or so. As well as authenticating and valuing fine jewellery and diamonds alongside my colleague Debbie, I also deal with any luxury fashion items that are brought in to us - like designer handbags.
No day here is the same; my favourite valuation to date has to be when I was involved in valuing a 5.20ct radiant cut flawless diamond set in platinum – it was stunning. Seeing high-quality diamonds and lovely signed pieces of jewellery from a variety of luxury brands is a great part of the job.

Deborah Wynter

Job Role: Senior Jewellery & Luxury Asset Valuer

Experience: 30 years in the industry, with almost 2 years at H&T

Great managers and mentors have inspired my pawnbroking history, along with having the privilege to see and handle a wide variation of jewellery. My day to day role entails supporting the stores with up to date prices for jewellery containing diamonds and gemstones, branded jewellery and important jewellery. Along with my colleague Laura, I price and authenticate branded bags.
My favourite pieces have been a GIA certified diamond, 5ct D/IF, set in a platinum ring mount. Also, ten various Hermes bags for just one client! One of my favourite luxury jewellers is Cartier and my favourite luxury watch brand is Patek Philippe. They both have a long history and both retain exceptional second-hand and auction values. My perfect day is seeing slightly out of the ordinary jewellery sets with high quality.