Auctions

Bonhams to Auction Collection of Andrew Grima Jewels

AuctionsJul 27, 2017

Bonhams to Auction Collection of Andrew Grima Jewels

Featuring 55 pieces, it is the largest private collection of jewelry from the renowned designer ever to appear at auction, Bonhams said.

20170727_Grima-Header.jpg
This bib necklace from Andrew Grima features triangular-cut citrines and smaller similarly cut diamonds set in yellow gold. It could sell for as much as $26,100 in September.

London--This fall, Bonhams is putting what it says is the largest private collection of jewelry from renowned designer Andrew Grima up on the auction block.

The auction house will offer 55 pieces of Grima jewelry as part of its Fine Jewellery sale on Sept. 20 in London. The current owner of the collection has chosen to remain anonymous.

Anglo-Italian jeweler Andrew Grima was regarded as one of the 20th century’s most daring and imaginative designers.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Grima didn’t learn his trade at art school; he was entirely self-taught and never trained at the jeweler’s bench. He created bold and unusual jewels that focused on aesthetic rather than just the carat weight of diamonds and gems.

By the late 1960s, Grima had become a favorite with the British royal family and the society jeweler of the time, winning many famous clients as well as awards and honors. He is the only jeweler to have been awarded the Duke of Edinburgh Prize for Elegant Design, and his service to industry was recognized with The Queen’s Award for Export.

He also won the De Beers Diamonds International Award a record 12 times and, in 1970, was granted a Royal Warrant from HM The Queen.

Since his death in 2007, his wife, Jojo, and daughter Francesca have continued to operate the family business.



The sale will include some of Grima’s earliest pieces made in the 1960s in London, a selection from his heyday in the 1970s, some from the ‘90s, and an assortment made just before his death a decade ago.

Highlights include pieces from his “About Time” watch collection for Omega--an innovative collections of watches that used gemstones as the watch “glass”--as well as works from the “Rock Revival” collection that incorporated large, uncut and unusual gemstone crystals.

A number of the lots featured in the upcoming sale were on display at Grima’s retrospective exhibition held on his 70th birthday in 1991 at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London.

“Andrew Grima’s work is distinct in terms of its design, quality and originality,” said Emily Barber, department director of the jewelry division at Bonhams. “He was essentially an artist whose medium happened to be jewelry. His designs capture the spirit of each era in which he worked yet are still immensely wearable and contemporary today. Each lot in this sale reveals the diversity and creativity of his work.”

Full details of the lots featured in
the September Fine Jewellery sale will be available at the end of August.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Accredited Gemologists Association logo
SourcingMar 29, 2024
AGA Brings Back Scholarship, Research Grant

Scholarship applications are being accepted now, and the window for the grant will open in May.

Angelina Conti of Conti Jewelers
IndependentsMar 29, 2024
Angelina Conti of Conti Jewelers Dies at 98

She is remembered by loved ones as a “guiding force” behind the store and an active presence in her community.

Emerald Slinkee Drops earrings
EditorsMar 29, 2024
Piece of the Week: Boochier’s ‘Slinkee Drops’ Earrings

The emerald earrings reference objects from designer Melinda Zeman’s childhood.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Future Fortune sapphire ring
TechnologyMar 28, 2024
Pinterest’s 2024 Wedding Report Is Out

The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.

Weekly QuizMar 28, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
David Ettinger
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
David Ettinger of Bechdel Jewelers Dies at 69

He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.

Jewelers of America logo
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
JA to Host Series of Learning Workshops

The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Madison Avenue NYC store
WatchesMar 28, 2024
Peek Inside Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Revamped NYC Flagship

The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.

Asian Star’s diamond manufacturing facility in India
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Compliance, Caution, and Concern: The Current Outlook of Indian Diamantaires

There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.

Kira Diam solar plant
Lab-GrownMar 27, 2024
Indian Lab-Grown Diamond Manufacturers Keep Growing

A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.

Bharat Ratnam, a Mega Common Facilitation Centre (CFC)
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Reinvigorating SEEPZ, the Epicenter of India’s Studded Jewelry Exports

The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.

SRK Empire and SRK House
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact

By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.

Georgia May Jagger Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign
FinancialsMar 27, 2024
Movado’s Full-Year Sales Sink 11%

The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 27, 2024
Consumer Confidence Held Steady in March

Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.

Bernadette Mack
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Mercury Free Mining Hires Bernadette Mack

The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.

April Is Diamonds Do Good Month
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its April Initiative

DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.

Tiffany & Co. With Love, Since 1837
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Tiffany & Co. Debuts ‘With Love, Since 1837’ Campaign

Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.

National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 26, 2024
Creative Connecting: AI Tools and Tips for Social Media

Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.

Nordstrom Men’s Store New York City
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Nordstrom May Go Private, Says Report

The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.

Interior of Miami Lakes Jewelers
IndependentsMar 26, 2024
Miami Lakes Jewelers to Close After 37 Years

The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.

 International Gemological Institute
GradingMar 26, 2024
IGI Announces Tech for ID’ing Lab-Grown Colored Diamonds

The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”

Kendra Scott lab-grown diamond jewelry
CollectionsMar 25, 2024
Kendra Scott Debuts Lab-Grown Diamond Fashion Jewelry

The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.

Instappraise logo NAJA logo
Events & AwardsMar 25, 2024
NAJA, Instappraise Offering Scholarships for Aspiring Jewelry Appraisers

One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.

Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice
MajorsMar 25, 2024
Borsheims Announces New VP of HR, Assistant Manager

Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.

My Next Question graphic vintage jewelry webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 22, 2024
Watch: How to Buy and Sell Vintage Jewelry

Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere
MajorsMar 22, 2024
David Yurman Announces New CFO, Chief People Officer

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy