Dame Shirley Bassey's jewelry collection has set a new world record in Paris, with the auction of her 'most meaningful' pieces fetching a total of €2.2 million. The renowned Welsh singer, aged 87, is famously known for her rendition of 'Diamonds Are Forever' in the 1971 James Bond film, but her passion for collecting jewelry predates her singing career.
Before the auction, Bassey shared: 'I fell in love with jewelry when I first encountered natural pearls as a budding singer, and I bought my first strand of pearls—the first piece of jewelry I ever purchased. However, I soon transitioned to my lifelong fascination with diamonds, which came before the recording of 'Diamonds Are Forever.' In fact, I agreed to sing the song because it resonated with my feelings about diamonds then and now.'
Among the highlights of the auction, Bassey's plain ladies' Cartier Baignoire gold wristwatch sold for a record €66,000, a staggering 22 times its estimated value of €1,500 to €3,000. Her vintage 1960s Van Cleef & Arpels diamond ring, a gift from Sir Elton John, fetched €48,000. Additionally, Bassey's Van Cleef & Arpels emerald and diamond necklace, purchased to commemorate her first Royal Variety Performance in front of Queen Elizabeth II, sold for €174,000—more than double its estimated range of €50,000 to €70,000.
The collection was part of Sotheby's Fine Jewels biannual sale, with proceeds benefiting Dame Shirley's selected charities.
