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Some time ago OmerH drew our attention to QEII's ruby brooch by Grima.

In Country Life 7 November 2018 Geoffrey Munn relates the story behind the lichen brooch made by Andrew Grima in 1967.


The brooch and a matching set of earrings were sold in the 2006 Christie's sale.
https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-diamond-set-lichen-brooch-by-andrew-grima-4718028-details.aspx?from=salesummery&intobjectid=4718028&sid=55f7a762-efe8-417c-948e-d0e48a863ead


https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-pair-of-diamond-set-lichen-earclips-by-4718029-details.aspx?from=salesummery&intobjectid=4718029&sid=8f5d8881-db3a-45d8-b06b-ed3bd8e9431b


According to Munn, Princess Margaret and Lord Snowden, having found a striking example of lichen at Balmoral, conceived the idea of having it cast in gold. On 4 July 1967 Princess Margaret sent the specimen to Grima asking if the (by now brittle) lichen might interest him for casting. Charmingly she asked for an estimate, noting that if it were too expensive she might have to forgo the pleasure of a brooch. Grima, a friend of Lord Snowden, replied that he would make the brooch for a token one pound. Munn relates that Grima informed the Princess that, if a cast was not possible because the lichen was crumbling, his workmen would complete the work by hand. Although Munn does not state this, I presume that a cast was able to be made as Munn says the brooch was completed in a week.


Princess Margaret wearing the brooch in a series of photos taken by Norman Parkinson in 1967