Shirley Bassey’s stunning jewelry collection has set a world record, selling for an impressive £1.8 million at auction.
The Welsh singer’s Cartier Baignoire gold wristwatch, a simple yet elegant piece, sold for £54,976—more than 22 times its estimated value.
Among the highlights was a 1960s Van Cleef & Arpels diamond ring, a gift from Elton John. This piece, featuring brilliant-cut diamonds, fetched £39,995, tripling its expected price. Another standout was a Van Cleef & Arpels emerald and diamond necklace, purchased by Bassey to mark her first Royal Variety Performance in 1961, which sold for £144,985.
Bassey, known for iconic hits like Big Spender and Goldfinger, developed a deep love for jewelry early in her career. She once shared, “I quickly graduated to my lifelong passion for diamonds, which preceded the recording of Diamonds Are Forever.”
The auction, held at Sotheby’s Fine Jewels sale in Paris last Thursday, featured over 80 pieces from Bassey’s personal collection. Among the items was an aquamarine, sapphire, diamond, and gem-set piece that sold for £45,157. All proceeds from the sale will go to the singer’s chosen charities.
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