Dame Shirley Bassey, renowned for her iconic performances and association with James Bond themes, is poised to auction off a portion of her cherished jewellery collection, potentially fetching over £598,260.
Among the treasures up for auction is a diamond ring gifted to her by Sir Elton John, contributing to the extensive collection that holds deep sentimental value for the singer.
Reflecting on her affinity for jewellery, Dame Shirley expressed how her passion for diamonds preceded her recording of “Diamonds Are Forever,” the theme song for the 1971 James Bond film starring Sir Sean Connery. She emphasized the personal significance of each piece in her collection, noting the memories and stories they hold.
Highlighted items include a vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the 1960s, a diamond necklace, and a diamond and gold parure by Cartier, among others. The collection also features a yellow diamond ring and an aquamarine, sapphire, diamond, and gem set.
The auction, scheduled for October 4th in Paris, will see the proceeds directed towards Dame Shirley’s chosen charities, underscoring her philanthropic endeavors alongside her musical legacy.