Hollywood’s love affair with Fred Leighton is legendary. And with each red carpet event, the passion grows. The vintage jeweler, who offers pieces from his collection in Via Bellagio, has glammed up virtually every big name in Tinsel Town…as well as New York high society. From Burmese rubies, Kashmir sapphires, rose-cut diamonds, fire opals, and 17th century, Moghul-Indian carved emeralds, Fred Leighton connects rare pieces with the people who enjoy rare beauty, becoming the most recognized name in the vintage jewelry business. And now, the business is set to expand as the new owner, Ralph Esmerian, takes the reins.

What can easily be considered an empire had very humble beginnings. From a little shop in Greenwich Village where he sold colorful paper flowers, brightly painted sculptures, garden-party wedding dresses, and ethnic, handmade jewelry, Leighton developed an interest in estate jewelry, sparking a lifelong passion for vintage pieces of exceptional craftsmanship. An affinity for 19th century jewels broadened his tastes and he started to collect pieces from the 17th century through the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods and into the 21st century.

The legacy that Fred Leighton built has transferred to the hands of Ralph Esmerian. Known primarily for his collection of American folk art and his position as chairman of the American Folk Art Museum, the fourth-generation gem dealer will continue the mission of Leighton: to preserve and create that which is rare and beautiful. The appreciation of stunning gemstones and intricate pieces is in Esmerian’s blood. His father, legendary gem dealer Raphael, supplied stones to Boucheron and Van Cleef & Arpels, making this acquisition a natural evolution.

With quintessential pieces from each era, the Fred Leighton boutiques offer the largest and most prestigious collection of estate and antique jewelry, from exotic Indian and Asian pieces to romantic Victorian and sophisticated jewelry from iconic houses such as Cartier. There is contemporary jewelry as well as Leighton-designed pieces, which have been described as “rich and aristocratic, glamorous, bold and refined,” drawing on past aesthetics while capturing the essence of the modern style.

With the sale to Esmerian, known for his exquisite taste, the Fred Leighton boutiques will now offer pieces from his vast collection as well, including Fabergé, Art Deco, French and American jewelry, forging what has been called an “unparalleled powerhouse in the fine jewelry business.”