Tom Burstein

Director, Jewelry & Watches

Tom Burstein serves as the Director of Jewelry and Timepieces for John Moran Auctioneers.

With nearly thirty years of experience, Tom is recognized as a top specialist and business leader in the jewelry retail and auction fields. He has held senior positions at some of the world’s most recognized auction houses, including Christie’s, Phillips, and Sotheby’s. In addition, Tom was a Vice President at Harry Winston, managing their US retail business and the Winston heritage division.  

“What attracted me to John Moran Auctioneers is their commitment to providing superior customer service and the attention to detail given to all of their auctions.  They have presented some wonderful jewelry and watch auctions, and I look forward to continuing these sales and growing the department.” –Tom   

Throughout his career, Tom has been involved in the sales of many historic auctions, including the Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor, and the Private Collection of President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan.  He has also had the good fortune to work with some of the world’s most significant and important historic jewels, including the re-setting of the Hope Diamond while at Harry Winston and the sale of the Cullinan Dream while at Christie’s.  Tom is internationally recognized as a lecturer on topics such as The History of Harry Winston, Connoisseurship and notable jewels and collections that have appeared at auction.  What he is most proud of, however, is nearly three decades of constant customer satisfaction by always implementing a superb client experience through every sale, valuation, appraisal, or consignment.  

Tom has an MA in Art History and a BA in Art History and Economics from the University of Minnesota.  He also holds a Graduate Gemology degree from the Gemological Institute of America.  

Tom lives in Connecticut with his two teenage children, with whom he likes to spend most of his free time.  He also enjoys writing and recording music, and collecting prints, photographs, and sneakers.