
Online Only Auctions - Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an Online Only Auction and how does it work?
- How do I access Online Only Auctions?
- Online Only Auction registration
- Product Information
- Is there a buyer’s premium?
- General bidding information
- How to place a maximum pre-auction bid in an Online Only Auction
- How to place a Live bid in an Online Only Auction
- Payment for Online Only Auction Bids
- Delivery/Collection of Winning Online Only Auction Items
- After the auction
- General information
1. What is an Online Only Auction and how does it work?
Our auctions are open to the public and participation is free.
An Online Only auction is an easy and exciting way to buy Fine Jewellery and Swiss Watches. 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 Only auction is automatically conducted 100% online via our website.
- Register to bid on our Online Only platform and to be kept informed of upcoming auctions.
- Similar to an Ebay style auction, the Online Only 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.
- Free shipping in Australia (fully insured).
- Valid First State Auctions Loyalty Reward Dollars can be redeemed at Online Only Auctions as long as they are redeemed within 12 month of being earned.
- First State Auctions Loyalty Reward Dollars will not be earned at Online Only auctions.
- No ring resizing service is offered by First State Auctions for Online Only Auctions.
- Please allow 10 working days from the close of the auction for delivery of your item (subject to credit card security verification).
- To prevent credit card fraud, a security verification procedure is in place for first time credit card purchases. Items will be dispatched within 3 business days of credit card security verification.
- 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.
2. How do I access Online Only Auctions?
Online Only catalogues are normally uploaded on our website up to 8 days prior to the auction end date.
Method 1:
Online Only auctions can be accessed from the First State Auction website (firststateauctions.com.au) by clicking on the blue button “View Catalogue”:

Method 2:
Online Only auctions can be accessed from the our online bidding platform (bid.firststateauctions.com.au/m) by clicking on the button “Auctions”:

3. Online Only Auction registration
Why do I have to register for Online Only Auctions?
All bidders need to register and accept the terms and conditions for Online Only Auctions. Your website login details from the main First State Auctions website will NOT work on the Online Only 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 Only Auction Account you will be able to use these new login details to bid live on our website.
How do I register for Online Only 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 Only 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 Only Auction account.

Why do I need to register to bid for every auction?
Even if you have an Online Only 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 Only 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).
4. Product Information
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 to understand the condition of the items sold, all items have been classified based on the following guide:
- New - the item is brand new
- As New - the item presents as new and is in excellent condition
- Pre-Owned - the item has some 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 twenty 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.
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.
5. Is there a buyer’s premium?
First State Auctions, like all other traditional auction houses, charges a buyer’s premium. The fee is charged by us to cover administrative 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 Only 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.
6. General bidding information
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?
Some items may have reserves. If there is a reserve, it will always be less than or equal to the price guide (auction estimates). 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.
7. How to place a maximum pre-auction bid in an Online Only Auction
To participate and place bids in an Online Only Auction you need to create an Online Only 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
How to place a pre-auction maximum bid
If you are not available at the time your lot is being auctioned, you can place a maximum bid where you provide us the maximum amount you are willing to pay. You will receive an email notification if you are outbid. Your bid will be executed by the system in increments using the amount required to "knock out" any competition during the sale. This doesn’t mean that you will pay the maximum amount.
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 cannot be cancelled and is binding.
You can place a maximum bid on the auction listing page or on the product detail page.

What is the starting bid?
The Online Only Auction will set a pre-auction “Starting Bid” for each Lot and any bid placed must commence at or above that starting bid.

Maximum bidding increments
You can enter the maximum amount that you wish to bid however, the automated system will set fixed bid increments for pre-auction maximum bid and you will be advised if your bid is off increment.
Bid confirmation
Once you enter a bid and click “Place maximum bid!”, you will be asked to confirm your bid. A 10 second countdown will commence, and you will need to click the “Confirm” button within that time period to confirm your bid. If the countdown reaches zero you will need to place your bid again.

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.

Can I cancel an unwanted bid?
Your bid cannot be cancelled once it has been placed. You can however lower your bid.
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 receive an email notification from First State Auctions confirming that you have won the lot.
8. How to place a Live bid in an Online Only Auction
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 Only Auction you need to create an Online Only 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 Only 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 Only 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

Method 2 - Enter your desired 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.

What is a maximum bid
You can place a maximum bid where you provide us the maximum amount you are willing to pay. Your bid will be executed by the system in increments using the amount required to "knock out" any competition during the sale. This doesn’t mean that you will pay the maximum amount.
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 cannot be cancelled and is binding.
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.
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.
9. Payment for Online Only Auction Bids
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 Only 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.
10. Delivery/Collection of Winning Online Only Auction Items
Items won via Online Only Auctions will be shipped to your nominated delivery address from First State Auctions Head Office. Please allow 10 working days from the close of the auction for delivery of your item (subject to credit card security verification).
To prevent credit card fraud, a security verification procedure is in place for first time credit card purchases. Items will be dispatched within 3 business days of credit card security verification.
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 by the consignee.
- Free international insured shipping for this auction. The purchaser shall be fully responsible for any applicable customs clearance charges, duties and taxes in their respective countries. Australian GST (10%) will be removed from the purchase price (excluding the Buyers Premium).
Goods can also be collected from our Sydney Head Office by appointment and prior request.
11. After the auction
Can I buy after the auction?
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.
Can I change my mind on an item already purchased?
No. At First State Auctions, like other auctions, all bids are final.
How do I find out about the next auction?
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.
Are the auction catalogues online?
Yes. You can view our photo catalogues online approximately 6 days prior to the auction date.
If I need to, who can I contact after the auction?
If you have any enquiries after the auction, please contact us.
12. General information

Other Online Only Auction Features
Advanced Search
You can search by:
- Keyword
- Minimum estimate
- Maximum estimate
- Lot number
- Item type
- Item category
Auctions
View the listing of all upcoming Online Only auctions.
My Items
View your personalised listing of:
- All items
- Items won
- Items not won
- Items you are bidding on
- Your watchlist
Profile
View and change your User Profile, Delivery Address and credit card information.
Auction Info
Click on the Auction Info link to:
- View the auction details
- Shipping info
- Terms and conditions