Serious jewelry collectors looking for guidance in procuring exceptional pieces from 18th century to contemporary eras often turn to the expertise of UK-based firm, Humphrey Butler Ltd. Founded in June of 2002 by its namesake, Humphrey Butler already boasted over twenty-two years of experience in the international jewelry market working for both Christie’s and Sotheby’s before launching his own outfit. Over the past two decades, Humphrey Butler Ltd. has established its position as one of London’s most preeminent independent dealerships and has become a go-to destination for clients who appreciate the breadth of knowledge the company can provide, while also maintaining discretion in their purchasing decisions.
Butler was born in 1957 and educated in England. He joined Christie’s in 1976 and had an illustrious, twenty-two year career working with the venerable auction house, holding senior positions in in Geneva, London, New York and Paris, all within the jewelry department’s purview. He had a brief stint with Sotheby’s before joining forces with Dickinson, the Jermyn Street gallery, in 2000. His experience on the global scene, and the relationships he built during his various tenures, gave him a solid foundation on which to continue to build his reputation for both his expert eye, and his ability to guard his clients’ anonymity when searching for specific pieces to meet their requests.
Working alongside Butler is Liesbeth “Lily” Heit, who first caught the jewelry bug while organizing the inaugural jewelry sale held by Christie’s in Paris in 2001. After being transferred to Christie’s jewelry department in London, she went on to become a Fellow of the Gemmological Association in 2007 while also continuing to organize twice-yearly auction sales in her role as senior administrator. Lily joined Humphrey Butler Ltd in June 2008, and has since played a pivotal role in the running of the business, over-seeing all of the day-to-day logistics as Humphrey’s PA.
In addition to his well-earned reputation for impeccable sourcing, Butler is also a celebrated auctioneer and is a regular fixture on the charity auctioneering circuit. Taking the hammer for a number of high-profile charities, he has helped raise funds for The Prince’s Trust, The Red Cross, The Royal Marsden, The Arsenal Foundation, Breast Cancer Haven, RADA, The Countryside Alliance, and Juvenile Diabetes, to name just a few causes he believes in supporting. Two of America’s highest grossing charity wine auctions, Auction Napa Valley and The Naples Winter Wine Festival, regularly lean on Butler’s mastery, with which he has raised millions of dollars in for local children’s charities.
CORRECTION, September 30: A previous version of this article stated the Humphrey Butler Ltd. was formed in 2002. This has been updated to reflect the actual year of establishment was 2000.
