ANDREW GRIMA - a 1960's 18ct yellow gold, variscite and diamond set brooch/pendant, with maker's

ANDREW GRIMA - a 1960's 18ct yellow gold, variscite and diamond set brooch/pendant, with maker's mark A.G. Ltd, also stamped GRIMA, 0.750 and hallmarked for London 1971, of shaped circular outline the polished variscite panel asymmetrically overlaid to three edges with pierced and textured mounts, additionally claw set with three round brilliant cut diamonds; together with accompanying correspondence regarding the original design for the brooch/pendant; an original sketch by Grima for matching earrings; Goldsmith's Hall Grima Retrospective exhibition catalogue; a signed beautifully illustrated book of Grima's work and other literature (Qty) Width 7.5cm Born in 1921, Andrew Grima was a British Royal jeweller, designer and artisan. He became the foremost modern jewellery designer in the West End of London in the 1960s and 1970s, selling his designs from his exclusive gallery in Jermyn Street. Grima received the Queen's Royal Warrant in 1966 and was commissioned to make various items of jewellery for the British and Scandinavian Royal Families. A Freeman of the City of London and Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, Grima also established shops in New York, Sydney, Zurich, Tokyo and Lugano. Winner of twelve De Beers Diamond International Awards Grima was particularly interested in the organic possibilities of jewellery design, deciding to move away from the forms and materials of classical jewellery prevalent at the time. Preferring yellow gold to silver, textured and unconventional stones over classic shapes and cuts, Grima's work features exotic stones valued both for their visual impact and associations. Precious stones when used are incorporated decoratively, not as integral parts of the design. This brooch/pendant is off-set with diamonds and a large shaped circular variscite panel - a relatively rare phosphate mineral. Variscite is believed to be soothing, calming and balancing for both the body and mind. It is also said to aid the blood and heart, give emotional stability, self-confidence and bring abundance! The lot is being sold with correspondence from Grima, including an accompanying sheet from his progress of work book featuring a rough sketch of the brooch/pendant as well as a design for a pair of 18ct gold and diamond matching ear-clips. Grima died on 26th of December 2007, aged 86. Today his wife Jojo and daughter Francesca maintain his legacy through private commissions from their shop in Gstaad and bi-annual exhibitions in London.