Welsh singer Dame Shirley Bassey, 87, is auctioning off some of her most cherished jewelry, including a diamond ring gifted to her by Sir Elton John. The proceeds from the auction will benefit Bassey’s chosen charities.
The collection includes pieces that Bassey bought for herself to commemorate significant moments, such as performing at her first Royal Variety Performance in front of the late Queen. “Collecting jewelry for me is like collecting memories and this collection is full of them,” she said. “All the pieces are meaningful and have a story to tell, whether I bought them for myself or they were gifted to me.”
Highlights from Dame Shirley’s collection will be exhibited at Sotheby’s London from 24 to 29 May before they go on display in Paris from 4 October. The live auction will take place at Sotheby’s Paris on 10 October.
Among the highlights are a diamond necklace (estimate between €270,000 and €320,000); a diamond and gold parure created by Cartier (estimate $215,000 to $269,000); a yellow diamond ring (estimated to fetch between €200,000 and €250,000); and a 1960s vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring covered in white diamonds that Elton John gave her after she sang at one of his AIDS Gala evenings.
Bassey said the collection of jewellery includes pieces she bought for herself to commemorate significant moments – including performing at her first Royal Variety Performance in front of the late Queen.
“Collecting jewellery for me is like collecting memories and this collection is full of them,” she said.
“All the pieces are meaningful and have a story to tell, whether I bought them for myself or they were gifted to me.”
Highlights from Dame Shirley’s collection will be exhibited at Sotheby’s London from 24 to 29 May before they go on display in Paris from 4 October. The live auction will take place at Sotheby’s Paris on 10 October.
