Dame Shirley Bassey jewellery auction breaks world record

Dame Shirley Bassey’s jewellery collection has broken a world record in Paris, with the auction of some of her “most meaningful” jewels selling for a total of €2.2 million.  

The famous Welsh singer, 87, famously sang about diamonds in the 1971 James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, but began collecting jewellery before her singing career took off. 

Speaking prior to the auction, she said: “I fell in love with jewellery when I first discovered natural pearls as an up-and-coming singer and I bought myself my first string of pearls – the first piece of jewellery I’d ever bought. However, I quickly graduated to my lifelong passion for diamonds which preceded the recording of Diamonds Are Forever.” 

“In fact, I accepted to sing the song because it rang true to me and the way I felt about diamonds then and now.” 

The singer’s plain ladies’ Cartier Baignoire gold wristwatch sold for a world record price of €66,000, 22 times its €1,500 to €3,000 estimate, while her vintage 1960s Van Cleef and Arpels diamond ring with brilliant-cut diamonds, which was given to her by Sir Elton John, sold for €48,000.

Bassey’s Van Cleef and Arpels emerald and diamond necklace, bought by Dame Shirley to commemorate her first Royal Variety Performance in front of Queen Elizabeth II, sold for €174,000 – more than double its estimate of between €50,000 and €70,000. 

The collection was part of the Sotheby’s Fine Jewels biannual sale, with proceeds benefiting Dame Shirley’s chosen charities.