Francesca Grima. © Bennie Curnow.
This September, Roseberys presents its Jewellery and Watches & Luxury Items auctions, taking place on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 September. The sales will feature a carefully curated selection spanning antique jewellery, 20th-century design, contemporary luxury items, and fine timepieces, offering collectors and enthusiasts an opportunity to acquire rare and beautifully crafted works.
To mark the occasion, Francesca Grima, Creative Director of the iconic jewellery house Grima, has selected five standout lots. The daughter of Andrew Grima, widely celebrated as The Father of Modern Jewellery, Francesca has carried forward the legacy of bold, sculptural design that defined her father’s work. Working alongside her mother Jojo, she continues to champion innovation and artistry, bringing a distinctly modern perspective to the family house.
Lot 761 – Céline by Phoebe Philo Belt Bag
I have always been a fan of Phoebe Philo’s work and her approach to design. It’s effortless, timeless and understated, which is a hard task in the fashion world where trends come and go. This graphite calfskin belt bag captures her philosophy perfectly: minimal yet architectural, with a quiet elegance that never shouts for attention. Introduced in Céline’s 2014 Pre-Fall collection, the belt bag features two knotted belts tucked neatly under the front flap, a spacious interior, and a structured top handle. It is at once subtly playful yet sophisticated, while remaining practical enough for daily use. A true Céline classic and a must-have for admirers of Philo’s work.
Lot 638 – Concord 18ct White Gold Quartz Watch
There is something so compelling about the restraint of this design. The clean lines and white gold bracelet feel almost futuristic, and I’m particularly drawn to the clou de Paris pattern. Extending it across both the case and bracelet creates a sense of unity that feels incredibly precise and deliberate. For me, this is watchmaking distilled to its most essential form.
Lot 78 – Georges Lenfant Aries Zodiac Pendant
As an Aries myself, I was immediately drawn to this piece. Georges Lenfant was one of the great but often unsung figures of 20th-century French jewellery, a Cartier workmaster who created pieces for many of the leading Parisian maisons including Van Cleef & Arpels and Mellerio dits Meller. His workshop became especially celebrated in the 1960s and 70s for its masterful goldwork and inventive chain designs, often combining different colours and textures of gold. This pendant perfectly captures his skill, and I admire the way he conveys movement within the ram motif; it feels alive, not static, while the bold design and symbolism give the piece a sense of presence and character.
Lot 282 - A rock crystal, onyx, ruby, and diamond brooch, of crescent form
Somewhere between a crescent moon and a croissant, this lunar brooch is a quintessential Art Deco jewel: bold, graphic and beautifully sculptural. The contrast of colours feels so modern, it could have been made today. The ruby cabochon terminals and central diamond line give it a striking symmetry and sense of balance. Art Deco jewellery favoured streamlined forms and geometric precision, often replacing large stones with small, brilliant-cut diamonds like the ones on this brooch. This reflected the era’s changing fashions, which embraced sleek, modern silhouettes.
Lot 414 – Three Victorian Agate Brooches
I had never encountered agate jewellery from the Victorian era before, but I’ve always had an affinity for agate as a material. The natural banding creates unique patterns that feel almost like paintings made by nature. Each brooch is effectively a miniature artwork, and I love how these pieces celebrate that natural beauty while retaining 19th-century charm. Characterful and whimsical but still very wearable today.
For more information about Francesca’s work, please visit: https://grimajewellery.com/
Newsletter Signup
Newsletter
