The New York Times notes the upcoming sale of Ralph Esmerian’s possessions to settle his debts:

On Oct. 3 Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in Chicago will offer about 80 pieces from Mr. Esmerian’s New York home and office. Estimates range from a few hundred dollars for a silver ashtray to $600,000 for a ridged copper urn designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Schadenfreude over the fate of Mr. Esmerian, the former owner of the jewelry company Fred Leighton, may draw curiosity seekers to the sale. “You just wonder how that happens to someone, and how far some people fall,” Ms. Hindman said in a phone interview.

Liquidating the Collection of a Bankrupt Jeweler (New York Times)