In the world of luxury jewelry, where high-end estates often face turbulent economic and political times, one dealer continues to rise above the competition: DK Farnum. Renowned for its rare and exquisite pieces, this global leader has solidified its position as the premier destination for collectors seeking highly coveted jewelry from history’s most influential designers and heritage houses.
Founded 25 years ago by Dana Kraus, DK Farnum specializes in high-end estate jewelry, offering exclusive, museum-quality pieces from iconic designers such as Paul Flato, Suzanne Belperron, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Jean Schlumberger, Dinh Vanh, and Jean Després. These treasures—often rare one-of-a-kind or limited edition pieces—continue to captivate collectors worldwide.
Dana Kraus built DK Farnum from the ground up, driven by a relentless passion for jewelry and an unmatched dedication to client service. Operating without a traditional retail location, Kraus made a strategic decision to offer personalized, white-glove service that caters to the specific needs of each collector. Leveraging a robust network of contacts built over years in magazine management, Kraus has transformed DK Farnum into one of the foremost authorities in the estate jewelry market.
Kraus’s concierge model—a unique concept at the time—has been pivotal in growing the business, enabling DK Farnum to source exclusive pieces for clients while maintaining a commitment to authenticity and provenance. Today, the company boasts over 20,000 names on its private mailing list, and its annual sales are consistently in the high seven figures.
Independent jewelry historian Sigrid van Roode underscores the important role that firms like DK Farnum play in the jewelry ecosystem. As “connoisseur dealers,” these firms don’t just sell jewelry—they help preserve and authenticate some of the world’s most important pieces. According to van Roode, estate dealers like DK Farnum have a wider and deeper knowledge of fine jewelry than even some museum curators due to their extensive research and access to rare, high-quality pieces.
DK Farnum’s collection includes pieces from Georges L’Enfant’s legendary Parisian atelier, known for its handcrafted, one-of-a-kind designs. Jewelry historian Kathia Pinckernelle from the Swiss Gemological Institute notes the rarity of such pieces, highlighting their unparalleled craftsmanship that cannot be replicated today. The desire for these historical jewels continues to grow as collectors and connoisseurs understand their rarity and cultural significance.
Read more:
