STAFF DIRECTORY > KATE DELLA MONICA

Kate Della Monica GIA GG

Florida Representative I Senior Jewelry Specialist GIA GG
267.414.1259
kdellamonica@freemansauction.com

Kate Della Monica is a Senior Specialist in the Jewelry and Watches department, and serves as Freeman’s first Regional Representative in Florida. She joined Freeman’s in January 2018 as a Department Administrator.

While at Freeman’s, Della Monica has honed many skills to support her both in acquiring property for consignment and behind-the-scenes in the laboratory and office. She completed the Graduate Gemologist program at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and is USPAP compliant. Her commitment to education and experience as a specialist and appraiser drives her excitement for the auction business.

Before joining Freeman’s, she worked as an assistant director at a Philadelphia art dealing business where she experienced the auction world through a consignor’s perspective. Della Monica received a bachelor's degree in 3D fine art from Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia. In addition to her work in the visual arts, Kate is a musician who has traveled the country playing original music.

In Her Own Words ...

How has your role at Freeman's shifted over time?

My role has shifted tremendously during my 4½ years at Freeman's. I started as a Jewelry Department Administrator, which was my first introduction to fine jewelry. In between handling client services and correspondence, I learned about the industry from the department head and often accompanied her to estate appraisals and appointments at dealer's offices. I spent time looking over her shoulder and learning as much as I could during my first year. I was then promoted to a cataloguing position and began to help price jewelry. I found researching unique and difficult items exciting. Over time, I honed my skills and earned the title of Specialist. My experience at Freeman's has given me confidence in my abilities though I still have a lot to learn.

What's the most exciting part about visiting, performing valuations, and connecting with clients?

Hearing about the connection people have with their jewelry. I love the emotion in a client's voice when they talk about how sentimental their items are. It's nice to be able to reassure them that a potential buyer will enjoy the piece and carry on the legacy.

If you could own any object Freeman's has sold, which would it be?

The Nursing Madonna by the Master of the Embroidered Foliage. When the painting arrived, I hadn't looked at it yet and didn't understand its importance. Alasdair Nichol, Freeman's Chairman and Director of Fine Art, told me to look at it closely because every time he did, he noticed something new. I took his advice and studied the painting each time I walked by it in the gallery. The fabric was undeniably beautiful and I was hypnotized by it. The day it sold, I named my band's new album after it.