A sapphire and diamond-set pendant/brooch, by Andrew Grima, 1979 §
£2,500
Auction: Jewellery: 30 March 2022 | From 11:00
Description
Designed as an openwork cluster of overlapping gold batons, accented by circular-cut sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds, signed Grima, maker's mark AGLtd, London hallmark
Dimensions
Width: 4.5cm
Footnote
Grima was born in Rome in 1921 and came to the England aged 5. He had an engineering background, studying the subject at university and serving with the Royal Engineers in India and Burma throughout World War Two.
After the war, he started work in his father-in-law's jewellery firm in London, Haller Jewellery Company Limited (H.J. Co) initially in the accounts department, before moving into design. Grima took over his father in law’s business in 1951. Grima and his craftsmen at H J Company cast models for various artists for the 'International Exhibition of Modern Jewellery 1890-1961' held at the Goldsmiths' Hall. Alongside these, Grima exhibited six of his own designs.
Grima went on to win several awards for his contribution to the jewellery industry. Namely, he was the only jeweller to win the Duke of Edinburgh Prize for Elegant Design and won 13 De Beers Diamonds International Awards; more than any other jeweller. His clients included members of the British Royal family, as well as Barbara Hepworth and Jacqueline Onassis.