One thing is for certain, the online buyers of these items got deals of a lifetime.
Similarly an emerald and diamond ring was valued at $10,000.00 by the Marcus Jewel Galleries in NY in 1979 ; were now appraised by Leighton at $3,000 - $4,000 for the necklace and $600-$800 for the emerald and diamond ring. THEN, to make matters worse, these were offered for auction at $ $2,000.00 and $500.00 respectively.
The explanation given by Leighton staff was that the very, very low offers were intended to get substantial and vigorous bidding activity during the auction. This did not happen!!!! Instead, the first item sold for $2700.00 (or approximately 18% of the appraised price); and the second item sold for $500.00 (or 20% of its appraised value).
Leighton Galleries is the very best auction house in every respect. I have both purchased and consigned items at Leighton Galleries many times and found them to be completely reliable and of the utmost integrity. It is an auction house, not a retailer or insurance appraiser. They explain the process of the auction, the appraisals, and operations thoroughly before you consign. Appraisals are realistic and comparable with market values, which are fully disclosed along with the source. No hidden agendas or surprises. The staff is very pleasant and helpful. I have dealt with other auction houses over the years and so have a basis of comparison. Leighton’s never disappoints. They are trustworthy and have earned a well-deserved reputation for business integrity.
I am very happy with the items I bought from the auction. Mrs. Leighton is a great person, and I would like to thank her professionalism and attention I received. I will definitely buy again, as I am confident in their integrity as well as the high quality of the offered product. Thank you!!!
What a pleasure to work with Leighton Galleries in Waldwick, NJ. Your recent auction results for my heirloom items were very much appreciated. Good guidance, complete transparency about the risks and rewards, logical assessment of the market, very fair treatment, organized approach, reliable in all respects. I would be pleased to recommend your auction services to any friends. CF
These were only part of all the items that we very stupidly, and unintelligently, allowed Leighton to handle for us based on their proposed auction sales promises which we now believe were simply misrepresentations.
We were VERY disappointed in their services and their processes. If you are expecting to get a decent price for your valuables, try somewhere else. For example they seem to appraise jewelry mainly at the price of the gold content, and then at the "buy" price of gold at the current level. They generally disregard any inlaid precious stones. HOWEVER, after this, they offer the items to the online auction houses at approximately 1/2 the value that they have estimated the gold value would be.
For example, we had a gold necklace with emeralds and diamonds that was made by the former chief designer and production manager of Tiffany's which was appraised by a well known jeweler at $15,000.00 as a replacement value.
Leighton Galleries Llc is a US Art Gallery based in Waldwick, New Jersey. Leighton Galleries Llc is located at 112 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 07463, USA.
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