ANDREW GRIMA

(1921 – 2007)

The artist himself, Andrew Grima.

Bold. Radical. Flamboyant. These are just a few of the adjectives used to describe jewelry designer ANDREW GRIMA and his famed creations of the 1960s and 1970s. Born in Rome to a Maltese father and Italian mother, Grima became a jeweler almost by chance after persuading his father-in-law to purchase a cargo of Brazilian semi-precious stones from two well-known dealers, a clear departure for the small jewelry shop.

18k gold and Diamond Brooch

18k Gold, Diamond and Tourmaline 1980 Ring

18k Gold and Diamond 1971 Bracelet

18k Carved Emerald and Sapphire 1967 Brooch

18k White Gold, Blue Agate and Diamond 1973 Necklace

18k White Gold, Diamond, Rhodium and Abalone Pearl 1975 Necklace

18k Gold and Diamond 1965 Necklace

18k Gold 1970 Watch

Not classically trained as a jeweler, instead using his background as an engineer, GRIMA soon shocked the traditional jewelry scene of the time with pieces that celebrated his materials natural form. He let the stones stay as they were, large and unpolished, and kept them in abstract forms with native textures. GRIMA himself had a dislike of mediocrity and this was clearly demonstrated in his pieces.   Always staying true to the natural shape of the materials he showcased, semi-precious stones became a particular love, GRIMA infused a raw quality into the presentation of his pieces as well. GRIMA’s Jermyn Street boutique in London was designed by his two architect brothers with special attention given to setting his creations among into walls of steel and slate. The store had an industrial feeling, with a bit of Bond mixed in. “Like a lair for a villain in an early Bond movie.” – The Guardian As the tastemakers of the time took notice of his designs, so did the British Royal Family with GRIMA pieces being worn by Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, and Princess Anne with the Queen’s royal warrant. Funnily enough, ANDREW initially became acquainted with the Royal Family through Lord Snowdon, Princess Margaret’s husband, who he met with after the Lord publically proclaimed there was nothing interesting happening in jewelry. Clearly Lord Snowdon had not heard of ANDREW GRIMA designs and we imagine he was just as shocked as the rest of the world to see them first-hand. Currently on 1stdibs: Andrew Grima Tourmaline Diamond Gold Ring | Andrew Grima For Omega Yellow Gold Pendant Watch Circa 1970  To learn more about ANDREW GRIMA and how the brand lives on, visit www.grimajewellery.com.