"Well, I'm glad for your sake it wasn't Van Cleef & Arpels"
Dame Shirley Bassey's stunning jewellery collection sold for a record €2.2 million at a Sotheby's auction in Paris.
The Sotheby's Fine Jewels sale had a trove of Dame Shirley's glittering gems, each with a glamorous backstory.
Among the star lots was a 1960s Van Cleef & Arpels diamond ring, which Sir Elton John gifted to her. Originally estimated to sell for €10,000–€15,000, it rocketed to €48,000.
A breathtaking emerald and diamond necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels, which Dame Shirley sold for €174,000, more than double its estimate. Dame Shirley bought to mark her first Royal Variety Performance for Queen Elizabeth II.
The pièce de résistance? A vintage diamond brooch, circa 1905, that fetched an incredible €162,000, almost five times its initial estimate.
Dame Shirley reflected on the collection, saying, "Collecting jewellery is like collecting memories. This collection is full of them".
Proceeds from the auction went to the Dame's chosen charities.
Copyright © 2025 J W Emery Ltd. All rights reserved.
Joe Emery
Joe is Editor of For Bond Fans Only and a writer by trade. When he's not watching Bond, he can be found listening to The Beatles and worrying about West Ham. You can find him on X @JWEmeryLtd
