Dame Shirley Bassey’s exquisite jewellery collection has achieved a stunning world record, selling for a collective 2.2 million euros (£1.8m) at Sotheby’s Fine Jewels biannual sale on October 10.
The legendary singer, known for her iconic James Bond theme “Diamonds Are Forever,” saw all lots from her collection sold, with proceeds benefiting her chosen charities.
Dame Shirley’s vintage 1960s Van Cleef and Arpels diamond ring, gifted by Sir Elton John, fetched 48,000 euros (£39,995), surpassing its estimated value of 10,000-15,000 euros. A Van Cleef and Arpels emerald and diamond necklace, commemorating her first Royal Variety Performance, sold for 174,000 euros (£144,985), doubling its estimated value.
A 1905 vintage diamond brooch also garnered 162,000 euros (£134,991), nearly five times its estimated value.
Speaking ahead of the auction, Dame Shirley shared her passion for jewellery, saying, “I fell in love with jewellery when I first discovered natural pearls as an up-and-coming singer… Collecting jewellery for me is like collecting memories, and this collection is full of them.”
She recalled accepting the offer to sing “Diamonds Are Forever” because the lyrics “rang true” to her affinity for diamonds. This song, featured in the 1971 James Bond film starring Sir Sean Connery, cemented her bond with the precious stones.
As the only singer to record multiple 007 themes, Dame Shirley boasts an impressive legacy, including 12 UK top 10 singles and eight UK top 10 albums. Her first UK number one single, “As I Love You,” in 1959, marked a milestone as the first Welsh singer to achieve this feat.
