GOLD AND GEM-SET ORNAMENT 'SUPER SHELLS', GRIMA, 1972, 1972

Designed as a seal, the body of an Australis shell, balancing polished sapphire and ruby bead balls on its nose, on an iron pyrite rock, to a petrified wood base, signed Grima, maker's marks, British hallmarks for London, 1972, original wooden crate marked Andrew Grima London twice.

Grima Retrospective, Goldsmiths' Hall,  Fosters Lane, London, May 1991, where this piece was exibited, item 277, page 74 in the catalogue.

Rubies of Burmese origin cannot be imported into the US, this piece may contain a ruby of Burmese origin and therefore may not be able to be imported into the US. Certification of non-Burmese origin is required before the import of rubies into the US. Please see our Important Notices and contact the jewellery department for further information. Stamped 750 and 18 for 18 carat gold to gold cage, signed Grima, maker's marks AGLtd, British hallmarks for London, 1972. Ornament weighing approximately 746.4 grams. Measuring approximately 150mm x 115mm x 180mm. Iron pyrite with a little movement on petrified wood base but secure. Sapphire and ruby beads with typical inclusions visible to the naked eye. Three felt pads to underside of base. Wooden crate measurements approximately 205mm x 205mm x 153mm. Door to front of crate slides upwards vertically, stiff, slightly split to underside right hand edge. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."