Leighton Galleries LLC — Attraction in Waldwick

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. 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). 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. One thing is for certain, the online buyers of these items got deals...

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...

I took my 92 year old friend to Leighton to consign 8 pieces of his late wife’s jewelry. Evelyn and John were so kind and patient with us over the two hours we were there. I asked to be CC’d with all correspondence with him. He is lucid and lives alone, but not very good with technology and details. He ended up having 31 lots at the upcoming auction, including a few pieces of artwork. Three lots did not sell and two sold but not paid for. They gave us the choice of returning them or selling at the next auction. We chose the latter. Four out of the five lots sold. The one lot that did not sell had been displayed at their store for MONTHS! And received so many positive comments. I highly recommend this knowledgeable and...