18 Kt Gold Seashell, Agate & Quartz Sculpture Objet d’Art by Andrew Grima, 1972 (2.6 Troy Oz. gold)

This exquisite and whimsical tropical paradise is a creation of the internationally celebrated Anglo-Italian jeweller, Andrew Grima.

The island consists of three coconut palms with 18-karat gold fruit and foliage weighing approximately 2.0 troy oz total, atop three the banded shell trunks. The trees are mounted to an island of raw lemon quartz, floating in a sea of polished banded agate. Grima was born in Italy, and immigrated to England as a child.

He served in WWII, and, after his discharge, went to work for his father-in-law who was a jewellery manufacturer. Grima assummed the business in 1951, and opened his own shop on Jermyn Street in London in 1966. That same year, he received both a Royal Warrant, and the Duke of Edinburgh Prize for Elegant Design, the only one ever awarded to a jeweller. He received eleven de Beers Awards for Excellence in Design.

His famous clientele included the British Royal Family, Hollywood stars, and Jacqueline Onassis. He retired to Switzerland, and continued to take private commissions until his death in 2007, at age 86. Grima was inspired by natural forms, and justifiably famous for his method of direct casting from natural objects.

This is an exceptionally fine example of the skill and artistry of the great master jeweller, and a highly desirable object of great beauty. The sculpture is stamped on a narrow, applied, rectangular, gold plaque in block capital letters, “Grima”, followed by an impressed “0.750” for 18kt gold, an impressed “A.G. Ltd” mark for Grima’s firm, and assayed for 18 kt, London, 1972 (pictured).

Each palm grouping is also stamped the same listed above. If you’ve ever considered buying an island, this is one well worth having.

Measures:   5 1/2 inches tall
Agate base measures:  9 1/2 inches diameter