Diamonds are Forever singer Shirley Bassey has made headlines after her jewellery collection smashed a world record in a charity auction in Paris. The lots belonging to the 87-year-old singer were sold for a collective price of 2.2 million euros (£1.8 million), surpassing their estimated values by significant margins.
Among the standout sales was Bassey’s plain ladies’ Cartier Baignoire gold wristwatch, which sold for an impressive 66,000 euros (£54,976), 22 times its estimated price. Another highlight was her vintage 1960s Van Cleef and Arpels diamond ring, a gift from Sir Elton John, which fetched 48,000 euros (£39,995), more than three times its estimate.
Notable pieces from the collection included a Van Cleef and Arpels emerald and diamond necklace that commemorated Bassey’s first Royal Variety Performance, selling for 174,000 euros (£144,985), and a vintage diamond brooch from around 1905 that fetched 162,000 euros (£134,991).
The auction, part of Sotheby’s Fine Jewels biannual sale, took place on October 10 in Paris, with the proceeds benefiting charities chosen by Dame Shirley Bassey. The Welsh singer, known for her iconic James Bond theme songs and numerous chart-topping hits, has had a lifelong passion for diamonds, which was reflected in the exquisite pieces up for auction.
Bassey’s connection to jewellery dates back to her early days as a singer, with her love for diamonds even influencing her decision to sing the James Bond theme “Diamonds Are Forever” in the 1971 film starring Sir Sean Connery. Her exceptional collection and the record-breaking auction further solidify her status as a music and style icon in the industry.