LONDON.- The first auction to focus on the work of the iconic jeweller, Andrew Grima, since his death in 2007 will preview at Bonhams in London from September 19th – 21st before the Fine Jewellery Sale at Bonhams New York on October 19th 2010.

Grima was the foremost modern jewellery designer in the London’s West End in the 1960s and 1970s with clients including Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, and Jacqueline Onassis. Grima gained international recognition following the Exhibition of International Jewellery in 1961 and in 1966 he opened his famous shop in Jermyn Street, St James’s.

Grima was always determined to create jewellery that was exciting and out of the ordinary. His distinctive pieces featuring highly textured materials and abstract shapes led to his appointment as a Crown Jeweller in 1970, where he was commissioned to create items of for the British and Scandinavian Royal Family.

Bonhams is delighted to present a collection of 35 Grima designs, from the New York estate of Marvin and Laura Speiser, which they gathered over the course of two decades of close friendship between the couple and Andrew Grima and his wife Jojo. The Speisers and Grimas were introduced in London in the early 70s and their friendship evolved over the next decades. The couples shared a mutual admiration for each others aesthetics and artistic gifts.

The Speisers’ personal affection for Grima, coupled with their respect for his design genius, can be clearly seen in the remarkable collection of special, limited edition pieces being presented.

Highlighting the sale is a circa 1988 emerald and diamond ring. Centering a cut-cornered, square-cut 11.35 carat emerald ‘pool’ within a raised surround of round brilliant-cut diamonds, the ring is completed by a textured gold mount. Exemplary of Grima’s work, this striking ring is estimated at $20,000-30,000.

Another highlight of the sale is a cultured pearl, gold and diamond necklace with cultured pearl drop. Designed as textured gold abstract shaped gold beads mirrored by fresh water pearls and diamonds, the lot carries an estimate of $12,000-15,000

Also included in the auction will be a ‘sunburst’ brooch. One of only four created, this example is designed as rays of textured gold centering a forest green tourmaline and can be worn as a pendant as well as a brooch. The impressive piece is estimated of $8,000-10,000.