Largest ever Andrew Grima jewellery collection comes to auction

The largest private collection of jewels by Andrew Grima ever to appear at auction will go under the hammer at Bonhams this September.

The Anglo-Italian jeweller was regarded one of the 20th Century’s most imaginative designers and he was the go-to jeweller for royals, celebrities, socialites and artists.

The collection, to be sold at Bonhams London as part of its Fine Jewellery sale on 20 September, features 55 pieces of jewellery designed by Grima.

It includes some of his earliest pieces made in London during the sixties, a seminal selection from his heyday in the 1970s, a number from the nineties and an assortment made just before his death in 2007.

Pieces from his ‘About Time’ watch collection for Omega will also be featured, as well as works from the ‘Rock Revival’ collection in that incorporated large, uncut and unusual gemstone crystals.

Emily Barber, department director, Bonhams Jewellery, said: “Andrew Grima’s work is distinct in terms of its design, quality and originality. He was essentially an artist whose medium happened to be jewellery.

“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.”

The current owner of the collection, who wishes to remain anonymous, added: “When you look at a piece of Grima jewellery you are moved by exquisite artistry in much the same way that you would be moved standing in front of a beautiful painting. In fact, for me, Andrew Grima is the great impressionist of jewellers.”