Explore our FAQs - Buying at Auction page to find answers to all your questions and make informed decisions with First State Auctions.

Frequently Asked Questions While Bidding From Australia

Our auctions are open to the public and participation is free. 

An online auction is an easy and exciting way to buy Fine Jewellery, Swiss Watches and Designer Bags. You can bid from home on your desktop, mobile or tablet.

These auctions are available to online bidders only. Unlike a room auction which takes place in real time, where there is an auctioneer and audience, an online auction is automatically conducted 100% online via our website.

  • Register to bid on our online platform and to be kept informed of upcoming auctions.
  • Similar to an Ebay style auction, the online auction has a start and end date normally running for up to 8 days.
  • Place your bids online once the catalogue has opened and you will see the progress of bidding.
  • All bids placed via the website are executed immediately against the current highest bid or the item's reserve (if any).
  • The close time for a lot will be extended for a further 5 minutes if there is competitive bidding within 5 minutes of the close time.
  • Winning bidders will be notified by email when the auction closes.
  • We offer complimentary Worldwide shipping (fully insured).
  • Collection of items won is available from our Head office in Sydney with prior appointment.
  • Please allow up to 5 working days from the close of the auction for the dispatch of your item (subject to address and credit card security verification).
  • To prevent credit card fraud, a security verification procedure is in place for credit card purchases.
  • When registering an account with First State Auctions a small pre-authorisation pending charge (typically between $0.01 and $2.00 depending on your bank) will be charged to your nominated credit card. This is a banking anti-fraud feature, which validates that the card is real, and is active. The pre-authorisation charge will normally be reversed within 1 week.

Online catalogues are normally uploaded on our website up to 8 days prior to the auction end date.


Method 1:

Online auctions can be accessed from the First State Auction website (www.firststateauctions.com) by clicking on the blue button “View Catalogue”:  

 

Method 2:

Online auctions can be accessed from the our online bidding platform (bid.firststateauctions.com) by clicking on the button “Auctions”:  

Before you can register for an auction you need to have an account. Once your account is created you can then register for any auctions that you wish to participate in. The video below explains how to create your account.

 

 

Click here to create your account.

Why do I have to register for online Auctions?

Once an account is created, all bidders need to register and accept the terms and conditions for online auctions. Your website login details from the main First State Auctions website will NOT work on the online auction platform as it is a separate bidding process.

You will need to register your user information, delivery address and credit card details. Once you have created an online auction account, you will be able to use these new login details to bid live on our website.


How do I register for online Auctions?

Registration is free, fast and easy!

We highly recommend that you don’t wait until the last minute to register to bid, allowing yourself time to feel more comfortable with the online auction platform and the Terms and Conditions.

Simply click on the “Login” link on the top of the page and enter your details to create your online auction account.


Why do I need to register to bid for every auction? 

Even if you have an online auction account, all bidders will need to register for every auction to accept the Terms and Conditions for that auction. You will not have to re-enter your personal details – just simply click where indicated to register.


Why do you need my credit card information? 

Before registering you as a bidder for an online auction, we must verify that you have a valid credit card available to make a purchase. Your credit card is secure and fully encrypted through an authorised 3rd party payment gateway. When purchasing online with First State Auctions a small pre-authorisation pending charge (typically between $0.01 and $2.00 depending on your bank) will be charged to your nominated credit card. This is a banking anti-fraud feature, which validates that the card is real, and is active. The pre-authorisation charge will normally be reversed within 1 week. If you are a winning bidder, we will charge purchased items to the credit card provided.


Do I have to pay any fees to participate in an Online Auction? 

No, you are not charged any fees to participate. However, to register to bid, you will have to provide your credit card information, so we can pre-authorise a nominated amount (see point above). 

Where are the goods from?

Our jewellery and watches are sourced from local and international vendors including: government agencies such as Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA), Australian Federal Police (AFP), insolvency trustees, manufacturers looking to liquidate stock, importers, private sellers and companies closing down or going bankrupt.


Are the product descriptions guaranteed?

You can rest assured that all items you purchase from First State Auctions are genuine. First State Auctions is owned and operated by gemmologists and diamond graders, and we pride ourselves on ensuring our descriptions are 100% accurate. All products submitted for auction are checked by at least two qualified gem experts before being catalogued. We ensure all diamonds, gemstones, gold and watches are authentic and graded correctly.


What do the product descriptions “New”, “As New” and “Pre-Owned” mean?

To assist customers in understanding the condition of the items sold, they have been classified based on the following guide:

  • New - The item is new, in excellent condition, and has never been privately owned.
  • As New - The item presents ‘as new’ and is in excellent condition. It could have been displayed in a retail shop or be ‘pre-owned’ and in excellent condition.
  • Pre-Owned – The item has been privately owned. It may have signs of wear (e.g. a scratch) 

 

What should I consider when buying a diamond?

Every diamond is unique. Each reflects the story of its arduous journey from deep inside the earth to a cherished object of adornment. Yet all diamonds share certain features that allow us to compare and evaluate them these features are called the 4C's - colour, cut, clarity & carat.

 

What do GIA and GSL mean?

GIA is an abbreviation for The Gemological Institute of America. Established in 1931, GIA is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, coloured stones and pearls. A public benefit, nonprofit institute, GIA is the leading source of knowledge, standards, and education in gems and jewellery.
GSL is an abbreviation for Gem Studies Laboratory. GSL in Sydney is the Gemmological Association of Australia's endorsed diamond grading laboratory. GSL was started over forty years ago to meet the demand in Australia for a first-rate diamond laboratory. Today it has become the best known independent diamond certification and gem identification laboratory in Australia.


Why is a diamond certificate important?

When buying a diamond, a diamond certificate is very important. The Certification should be conducted on the loose diamond – it’s the only way to give an accurate grading. This way the setting is not obstructing the measuring of important information that make up the value of the stone. The laboratory should also be independent of any retail or wholesale business. Diamond grading is subjective, some laboratories standards of what is a “D” colour or what is a “VVS1” clarity are much lower than others. First State Auctions recommends GIA (Gemological Institute of America) for internationally graded diamonds and GSL (Gem Studies Laboratory) for Australian graded diamonds. We have regularly found other internationally known laboratories to grade diamonds up to 2 grades of colour and/or 2 grades of clarity higher than GIA or GSL. That means the stone you are buying as a VS1 and E colour with a less reputable laboratory, for example, could be graded by GIA or GSL as SI1 and G colour – this makes a big difference to the value and price you should be paying for your diamond. We come across many professional-looking laboratory certificates, which we believe do not represent the correct grading of the diamond. These are genuine laboratories, but are not endorsed by the Gemmological Association of Australia or internationally renowned. They are not GIA, even though some may sound like GIA to the uninitiated. We will send diamonds graded by these laboratories to the GIA or GSL laboratories to receive a true grading. So, our advice is buy diamonds that have a reputable, recognised and trusted diamond certificate to ensure that you get what you are paying for.


Are the gemstones natural?

At First State Auctions, we only sell natural gemstones and cultured pearls. While some gemstones may have been improved through industry-accepted treatments such as heat treatment, we don't sell laser-drilled or fracture-filled diamonds, or lead glass-filled rubies. It’s about quality, naturally.


Do all the pieces of jewellery come with a certificate?

All diamonds over 1 carat in size come with a laboratory certificate from highly regarded industry renown organisations like GIA or GSL. All other jewellery with a price guide (auction estimate) of more than AUD 3,000 will have a quality assessment from an independent gemmologist and valuer.


Are there any warranties on watches?

First State Auctions provides its own 3 month limited warranty on “pre-owned” and “as-new” watches purchased at FSA auctions.

For “new” watches, FSA provides its own limited warranty for the period stated in the catalogue description.

The hands and watch movement are the only components covered under the limited warranty.

This is a limited warranty and does not include:

  • Ageing and wear and tear from normal use.
  • Damage resulting from improper handling, negligence, accidents, tampering or incorrect use of the watch.
  • Any external damage to the product.
  • Change of battery.
  • Any loss of stones or gems on the outer portion of the watch or watch face.
  • Moisture damage to a watch not marked water resistant.
  • Any damage that occurs as a result of a water resistant watch being used under conditions which exceed the watch manufacturer’s water resistance guidelines.
  • Water damage caused to a water resistant watch where the crown is not screwed down.


Please note that any modifications or 3rd party repairs will void the warranty.

Warranty on watches shipped to destinations outside Australia:

  • All watches shipped to destinations outside Australia are covered by the above warranty on condition that the watch is returned to First State Auctions Head Office.
  • All return costs to Head Office including shipping charges, customs, duties and other related costs will be for the buyer's expense plus all similar costs associated with the return of the watch from Head Office to the customer.


Where can I view the items to be auctioned?

Should you desire, you can inspect the goods prior to purchase:

  • Our auction catalogues are available on our website about 8 days prior to the auction end date with detailed product information, auction details and product images.
  • Viewing is only available at our Sydney head office by prior appointment.

First State Auctions, like all other traditional auction houses, charges a buyer’s premium. The fee is charged by us to cover expenses associated with conducting the auction. The buyer’s premium goes directly to the auction house and not to the seller.  

The standard buyer’s premium at First State Auctions is 20% and is one of the lowest in the industry. A buyer’s premium is charged on all items purchased at First State Auctions and this 20% must be added to the online auction hammer price. It forms part of the total invoice amount that is paid by the winning bidder. The buyer’s premium is not negotiable.  

Example: If you bid $1000 and the item is sold to you (hammer price), you will then pay a further 20% buyer’s premium on top of this. So your final invoice amount will be: $1000 + $200 = $1200.  

What are the price guides or auction estimates?

An “Auction Estimate” is a guide to what an item might sell for at auction, based on what similar items have sold for at previous auctions and current market conditions. Auction estimates relate to auction prices, not retail prices (which are typically considerably higher). In other words, an auction estimate gives an indication of the auction value of an item. These are not inflated prices, but aim to be a realistic guide. Any item can of course sell for less or more than the auction estimate, depending on the interest on the day.  


Do the auctions have reserves?

The vendor may request a reserve on their item. Where there is a reserve, it will always be less than or equal to the low price guide (auction estimate). Reserves are confidential between the vendor and First State Auctions.  


Is the GST included in the price?

Yes, it is. A tax invoice is issued with your purchase, and people travelling overseas from Australia may be able to reclaim the GST on the items purchased subject to Australian Customs regulations. GST on the buyer’s premium may not be eligible for a customs refund.

Enjoy the thrill of the auction by placing Live bids on the lot you desire as the auction progresses.

To participate and place bids in an online auction you need to create an online account or Log in to our Live Bidding platform.


Auction listing

You can select the auction that you wish to bid on from the auction listing. All bid prices are in Australian Dollars (unless otherwise stated) and are GST inclusive.


Catalogue listing of items to be auctioned

All items in an auction will be listed in lot number order. You can also use the “Advanced Search” option to change the display order or refine the listing. 

Click on the link "Advanced Search" menu to search by:

  • Keyword
  • Minimum estimate
  • Maximum estimate
  • Lot number
  • Item type
  • Item category  

 

What is the starting bid?

The online auction will set a “Starting Bid” for each Lot and any bid placed must commence at or above that starting bid. 

 

How to place a Live bid in an online auction


Method 1 - Simply click on the bid amount nominated by the system

You can place your bid on the online catalogue page or on the product detail page as indicated below

 

I placed a bid as above but the system immediately advised that I had been outbid and to place another bid. Why did this happen?

This situation arises when someone else has previously placed a maximum bid above your bid. As they are prepared to bid higher than your bid, the system will automatically place a bid on their behalf equal to one bid increment higher than your bid, until they have reached their maximum bid level, at which time their maximum bid will no longer automatically exceed yours.


Method 2 - Enter your desired maximum bid

What is a maximum bid

A maximum bid allows you to participate in the auction even if you are unable to physically place your bids in real-time.

You can place a maximum bid where you provide us the maximum amount you are willing to pay. Your bids will be automatically executed by the system in incremental amounts, using the amount required to "knock out" any competition during the sale. It is therefore possible to win an item at a price below your maximum bid (assuming the reserve price has been met - reserves are confidential between the vendor and the auction house.)

Simply enter your bid and click “Place maximum bid!” Before submitting bids carefully review the information entered for accuracy. Once you submit the bid, it is binding - it cannot be cancelled or lowered.

You will receive automatic email notifications if you have been outbid.

 

How to place a maximum bid

You can place your maximum bid on the Online Catalogue page or on the Product Detail page as indicated below.

You can enter the maximum amount that you wish to bid, however the automated system will set fixed bid increments and you will be advised if your bid is off increment.


Can I place multiple bids? 

There is a facility for you to place multiple bids. Simply enter your desired bid against each lot number and at the bottom of the screen click the option “Place Multiple Bids”.  

 

How do I know if I am the highest bidder? 

Auction bidding is competitive, and you will be notified on the respective lot listing if you are the highest bidder or if you have been outbid. You will also be notified by email.

If you have been outbid, you will have the opportunity to increase your bid prior to the Lot being offered for auction at the room auction. 


Can I cancel an unwanted bid? 

Your bid cannot be cancelled once it has been placed.  All online bids (including maximum bids) are final and cannot be lowered by the bidder once it has been placed.

If you win an item, as the registered bidder you will be held legally and financially responsible for payment of that item whether you were representing yourself or acting as an agent and your nominated credit card will be charged. There are no refunds.


How will I know if I am successful? 

You will also receive an email notification from First State Auctions confirming that you have won the lot. 

The following examples describe how maximum bids function in various situations (please contact us if you need any further explanation).

 

Example 1:
Current competitive bid: $500.00
You place a $1000 maximum bid
Item has no reserve, or the reserve has been exceeded


Your automated bid will be placed just one bid increment higher than the current competitive bid, for example, $525, just enough for you to win the item if no further bids are received.

If a competitive bid for $550 is then placed by another user, the system will automatically raise your bid to one bid increment higher than the competitive bid , for example $575, enough for you to win the item if no further bids are received.

Where competitive bidding is strong, your incremental bidding may continue until it has reached your maximum bid.


Example 2:
Current competitive bid $500
You place a $1000 maximum bid
Item reserve is $750


In this case, your automated bid will be placed at $750, an amount equal to the reserve, to ensure you have an opportunity to win the item at the lowest possible price if no further bids are received. You can still win the item below your maximum bid. If other competitive bids are received, your bid will outbid the new competitive bids by one bid increment until there are no higher bids or until your maximum bid is reached.


Example 3:
Current competitive bid $500
You place a $750 maximum bid
Item reserve is $750


Similar to example two, your automated bid will be placed at $750, an amount equal to the reserve and coincidentally also equal to your maximum bid. Again this ensures you have an opportunity to win the item at the lowest possible price if no further bids are received. If other competitive bids are received, your bid will be outbid by the new competitive bid received.


Example 4:
Current competitive bid is $500
You place a $650 maximum bid
Item reserve is $750


Your automated bid will be placed just one bid increment higher than the current competitive bid, for example $525. If however a competitive bid for $600 is then placed, the system will automatically raise your bid to one bid increment higher than the competitive bid , for example $625. If your maximum bid is exceeded, you will receive an “outbid” notification. If no further competitive bids are received, the item will be passed-in because the vendors reserve has not been met. All bidders will have an opportunity to offer an increased bid.

 

Will I be notified if my maximum bid is exceeded?
You will see an “outbid” notification when viewing your item, either in the catalogue or your watchlist.


You will also receive an email notification of your bid being exceeded. However, delays may occur, particularly at the auction close, so you may not receive the email in time. Should you be prepared to increase your maximum bid, we recommended following the auction at the close.

If you are the successful bidder, at the end of the Auction your credit card will be charged in full for the auction hammer price plus the buyer’s premium being 20% of the hammer price.  


How do I calculate what I have to pay?

If you are the successful bidder, the amount you will have to pay is calculated based on the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium of 20%. The standard buyer’s premium at First State Auctions is 20% and is one of the lowest in the industry. A buyer’s premium is charged on all items purchased at First State Auctions and this 20% must be added to the online auction hammer price. It forms part of the total invoice amount that is paid by the winning bidder. The buyer’s premium is not negotiable.  

Example: If you bid $1000 and the item is sold to you (hammer price), you will then pay a further 20% buyer’s premium on top of this. So your final invoice amount will be: $1000 + $200 = $1200.  


Is there a surcharge for credit card payments?

There is no surcharge on credit card payments. If your credit card is from overseas, we do not charge any extra ‘overseas’ fees – however you may need to check with your credit card company directly to see if they have any.

Items won via online auctions will be shipped to your nominated delivery address from First State Auctions Head Office. Please allow up to 5 working days from the close of the auction for the dispatch of your item (subject to address and credit card security verification).

An email will be sent to registered email address with a tax invoice attached to confirm your purchase and shipping address information (Please check junk/spam mailbox if you do not receive it). For security purposes, we will not ship your items before receiving the delivery address confirmation from you.

To prevent credit card fraud, a security verification procedure is in place for credit card purchases.

Collection for items won is available from our Head office in Sydney with prior appointment. We offer complimentary shipping with insurance.

Goods are shipped using secure couriers with tracking of packages. 

  • All shipments are fully insured.
  • All delivery to customers in Australia is complimentary.
  • All delivery methods require signature on delivery or instructions from recipients.
  • We can arrange for international delivery. For all purchases requiring shipping from Australia the purchaser shall be fully responsible for all customs clearance charges, duties, taxes and other charges in their respective countries. Australian GST will be removed from the purchase price.

Goods can also be collected from our Sydney Head Office by appointment and prior request.

If an item has not sold then it may be possible to purchase the item after the auction. Our goal is to sell these items, so will assist where we can. Please note that offers will only be accepted for amounts higher than the passed in values.

No. At First State Auctions, like other auctions, all bids are final.

You can register online now and we’ll let you know when we are holding an auction. Upcoming auctions are also displayed on our website.

Yes. You can view our photo catalogues online approximately 6 days prior to the auction date.

If you have any enquiries after the auction, please contact us.

Be informed of upcoming auctions