DALLAS, TX.- Heritage Auctions has announced that Peter Shemonsky, Tracy Sherman, Ana Wroblaski, and Gina D’Onofrio have joined the firm’s team of fine jewelry experts. The four will join Heritage’s veteran staff in New York and Dallas, bringing the total number of fine jewelry experts on staff to nine – one of the largest departments in the firm. These new staff additions will expand the firm’s jewelry capabilities to Palm Beach, Beverly Hills, and San Francisco.
“Heritage Auctions’ Fine Jewelry category is a complex and growing business and we’re extremely pleased to invest in the talent and experience our new staff brings,” said Steve Ivy, CEO of Heritage Auctions. “It requires a special set of skills to deliver the best to our clients and we believe this winning team sets us up for long-term growth.”
Gina D’Onofrio FGA, Director of Fine Jewelry, Beverly Hills, has worked in the retail, auction, and manufacturing sectors of the jewelry industry for over 25 years. She is one of the most renowned and respected gemologists in the nation, and is both a Certified Master Appraiser with the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers and a Master Gemologist Appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers. “Appraisers need to be multi-talented,” she said. “We must be part scientist, part historian, part business manager, part analyst. It’s all a necessity whether you’re looking at a single piece or a lifetime’s collection.”
Her passion for fine jewelry is what drives her to strive for perfection from her work. “I love the discovery, the history, the stories behind the jewelry and the people you meet. I think it’s the best part of the industry,” she said. In 2013, Gina received the coveted “Best in LA” award from Los Angeles Magazine for her outstanding jewelry appraisal services. “We are thrilled to welcome Gina to the Heritage fine jewelry family,” said Jill Burgum, Senior Dallas-based Director of Fine Jewelry. “Her experience as one of Los Angeles’ most revered appraisers will be a valuable asset to our clients around the world.”
Peter J. Shemonsky G.G., Director of Fine Jewelry, San Francisco, is a mainstay of the San Francisco fine jewelry community, with over 15 years of experience in the Bay Area alone. He directed the fine jewelry and Watch department at Butterfield & Butterfield; later Bonham’s before establishing and managing the offices of CIRCA in San Francisco and Hong Kong. During his time at the two establishments, he expanded and upgraded the profile of each company while improving client relationships. After his tenure with CIRCA, Peter opened his own eponymous, private Jewelry Salon specializing in antique and estate jewelry and appraisal services.
People outside of the Bay Area will most likely recognize Peter as a 16-season veteran of the popular PBS program “Antiques Roadshow,” making him one of the longest tenured jewelry appraisers in the show’s history. Peter’s dedication to fine jewelry is evident in all of his work. “I love discovering the story behind a piece of jewelry; how old it is, how it was made, who made it and who owned it after which I can find it a new home by bringing it to one of my collectors who appreciate it, and adding to its history.”
In addition to his long term experience, Peter is an educator and course writer for the International Society of Appraisers and a founding member and lecturer for the American Society of Jewelry Historians. His expertise and passion for every aspect of the fine jewelry market will be a great asset to Heritage’s award-winning fine jewelry program.
Tracy Sherman, a 35-year veteran in the jewelry industry, joins Heritage as Director of Fine Jewelry for the newly established Palm Beach office. She started her career at Sotheby’s in New York, as fine jewelry expert, during the heyday of such important estates as the Duchess of Windsor, Andy Warhol and Jackie Kennedy Onassis, to name a few. She held various positions such as Head of Jewelry for Canada and Head of Jewelry, West Coast. As an auctioneer, she handled the sale of Ella Fitzgerald and George Burns.
Upon leaving Sotheby’s, she started her own jewelry brokerage business, doing what she loves best, helping clients add to their collection, as well as finding new homes for the pieces no longer worn and enjoyed. Most notably, she spearheaded the $8 million sale of the estate of Marge Kelly’s expansive jewelry collection through Christie's.
Sherman then became the Founding Director of CIRCA, Jewelry Buyers, Palm Beach office and headed this enterprise for six years. Most recently she has been advising Palm Beach clients in maximizing the prices realized from selling their precious art, antiques and jewelry, utilizing her strong connections in the art world from her experiences.
“It’s a delight to have Tracy join our team,” said Heritage Florida Director Joan Goldberg. “Her experience and knowledge are the best in the business.”
Ana Wroblaski G.G. will be joining Heritage’s Beverly Hills office as Assistant Director of Fine Jewelry, Beverly Hills. She has spent the past ten years in the auction industry specializing in fine jewelry. Her work has been critical to hundreds of collectors and families in maximizing returns through auctions. Her cataloging experience spans across the entire fine jewelry spectrum, from ancient and antique relics to the modern pieces being produced by the finest ateliers in the world today.
Her experience goes far beyond her work in consignments. She worked with a master jeweler in the Downtown Los Angeles Jewelry District, creating pieces and working hands-on with precious metals. She is a Graduate Gemologist, earning her degree with the prestigious Gemological institute of America. “I’m a lifelong learner,” she said. “I attend workshops, seminars, and classes as often as I can to stay abreast of new styles, mine discoveries, treatments, and the history of our industry. Staying well-rounded and learning about every aspect of the community is paramount to satisfying our clients and building relationships.” As a respected member in the jewelry community, she is currently working on the accreditation curriculum with the American Society of Appraisers.
