Andrew Grima: The Father of Modern Jewellery

Description

The father of modern jewellery, the golden engineer, the King of Bling... These are just some of the epithets assigned to Andrew Grima, the British genius who marched in the vanguard of a 1960s London-based movement that created a new vocabulary for jewellery design. Jeweller to the royals and the jet set, to the rule makers and the tastemakers, Grima was a feted celebrity who appeared on talk shows, in Pathe newsreels and in advertisements for Canada Dry. He won The Queen's Award for Export, The Duke of Edinburgh's Prize for Elegant Design and a record 11 De Beers Diamonds International Awards (the 'Oscars' of the jewellery world). His business empire spanned the globe. Yet his name fell prey to time and changing tastes, and today, with the exception of jewellery snobs, dealers and auction houses, he is all but forgotten. This book illuminates the career of a man who participated in a golden age of British creativity. It contains a dazzling array of never-before-seen sketches, designs and photographs from the Grima archives and includes a sparkling preface from the doyen of jewellery experts, TV celebrity Geoffrey Munn. A must-buy publication for art and jewellery lovers alike. AUTHORS: William Grant is the husband of Andrew Grima's second wife Jojo, and step-father to their daughter Francesca. He therefore has unique access to the family history and has thoroughly investigated the verbal and written testimony about Grima, as well as the brand's extensive archives. SELLING POINTS: . The first major monograph on Andrew Grima, arguably Britain's greatest jewellery maestro . A glittering retrospective that encompasses Andrew Grima's life, career and legacy . Detailed pictures demonstrate Grima's impeccable artistry as a modernist designer . Preface by TV celebrity and Antique Roadshow expert, Geoffrey Munn 425 colour images

William Grant is the husband of Andrew Grima's second wife Jojo, and step-father to their daughter Francesca. He therefore has unique access to the family history and has thoroughly investigated the verbal and written testimony about Grima, as well as the brand's extensive archives.

"The life of Andrew Grima, the Italian-Anglo jeweler beloved of the royals, is celebrated in a stunning new book" - Monique Jessen, People Magazine "If your jewelry taste tends toward the bold, sculptural designs typical of the 1960s and 1970s, this monograph celebrating the work of master jeweler Andrew Grima is an essential addition to your library of jewelry books." -- JCK Jewelery Agenda "Renowned as the 'King of Bling' and 'father of modern jewellery', award-winning designer Andrew Grima is celebrated in this new detailed retrospective of his life and career as one of the most influential figures in the world of contemporary jewellery design." -- Daniella Saunders, Country & Town House "'I think my father would like to be remembered as changing the face of jewellery design.' Grima's daughter Francesca tells me today... a new book by Francesca's stepfather William Grant ... describes how Grima, the son of two immigrants, earned his place in the royal upper circle and became the 'father of modern jewellery'." -- Claudia Joseph, Daily Mail "This star-studded rise to fame has been retraced for the new coffee table book Andrew Grima: The Father of Modern Jewellery, which also details the jeweller's collaborations with international houses including Dunhill, Omega and Pulsar." - Tatler Hong Kong "...Andrew Grima, part of the Snowdon set, had just won the Duke of Edinburgh's Prize for Elegant Design - the first and only jewellery to ever win it - and opened his eponymous shop." - Claudia Joseph, Australian Women's Weekly Icons