Dame Shirley Bassey’s exquisite jewellery collection has shattered world records at a Paris auction, with the entire collection selling for an impressive €2.2 million (£1.8 million).
The legendary Welsh singer, best known for her iconic performance of the James Bond theme Diamonds Are Forever, saw her personal treasures exceed expectations at the Sotheby’s Fine Jewels biannual sale on 10 October, with all proceeds benefiting her chosen charities.
A 1960s Van Cleef & Arpels diamond ring gifted to her by Sir Elton John was among the standout pieces, selling for €48,000 (£39,995), more than triple its estimated value of €10,000-€15,000.
Another highlight was a Van Cleef & Arpels emerald and diamond necklace, purchased by Bassey in celebration of her first Royal Variety Performance before Queen Elizabeth II, which fetched €174,000 (£144,985), over double its estimated worth.
A vintage diamond brooch from around 1905 also significantly surpassed its estimate, selling for €162,000 (£134,991), almost five times its original valuation of €26,000-€35,000.
Bassey, who grew up in Cardiff’s Tiger Bay, shared her passion for jewellery, especially diamonds, reflecting that her love for the gems paralleled her hit Bond song, Diamonds Are Forever.
She revealed, “I fell in love with jewellery when I first discovered natural pearls as an up-and-coming singer. However, I quickly graduated to my lifelong passion for diamonds… collecting jewellery for me is like collecting memories.”
Dame Shirley holds the distinction of being the only singer to record multiple James Bond themes and remains a Welsh music icon with a string of hits, including 12 UK Top 10 singles and eight UK Top 10 albums.
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