Ralph Esmerian, fourth-generation jewelry dealer and former owner of the Fred Leighton chain, was sentenced Friday to six years in prison for double pledging and reselling collateral used to secure more than $210 million in loans. Manhattan federal Judge Denise Cote also ordered Esmerian to perform 1,800 hours of community service and forfeit $20...
As the final wave engulfs the brilliant career of Ralph Esmerian, the last of his treasures are being sold off to cover his debts. While the former owner of Fred Leighton awaits sentencing for bankruptcy fraud on July 22, most of what remains of the famous collection he pledged (or double-pledged) as collateral is...
Ralph Esmerian, former owner of Fred Leighton, pleaded guilty last week to bankruptcy fraud, a tragic turn in a respected family business that took a century to build. The Esmerians began like many jewelry businesses that relocated to New York in the early twentieth century, bringing their expertise in the old world European jewelry...
Only a few years ago, Ralph Esmerian was riding high, a respected dealer and collector taking over the role of jeweler to the stars as the new owner of Fred Leighton. Charming and well-spoken, Esmerian was frequently photographed with famous actresses. In November, a different kind of photo appeared in major news outlets: a...
Christie's Rockefeller Center will auction off 200 priceless jewels and art objects from the Fred Leighton collection this week. Here are some details and images of the prize pieces.
