If the phrase “Diamonds never lie to me” doesn’t ring a bell, let us introduce you to one of the most prominent Welsh singers of all time, Dame Shirley Bassey. She started her music career in the 1950s and quickly rose to fame as one of the top UK performers. She is well-known for her songs As Long as He Needs Me, Something, The Living Tree and others. Bassey was notably among the chosen stars invited to some high-profile events for British royalty and aristocracy (the Queen’s Jubilee in 2002, the Duke of Edinburgh’s birthday party, and others). The singer has received multiple accolades over the years, including her own Grammy.
The celebrity has harbored a long-standing fascination with diamonds and other gems for life. The first jewelry item Bassey bought for her collection was a pearl necklace but she quickly switched to diamonds as her “default” gem of choice. Over her 70-year-long career, she has bought and been given dozens of pieces and almost all of them featured her favorite stones. The singer has developed a unique taste in jewelry and collected a number of marvelous items.
Take, for example, a luxurious yellow diamond ring with a big heart-shaped centerpiece encircled by white diamonds. It is expected to garner at least 200 thousand dollars at the Fine Jewels event on October 10 in Paris.
Another notable piece is an exclusive Riviera-style diamond necklace with over half a hundred graduated stones. According to Sotheby’s estimates, the necklace will likely be sold for up to 350 thousand dollars.
An extravagant stylish multi-piece set featuring clusters of blue, purple, pink, green, yellow, and white gemstones is said to go under the hammer for about 75 thousand dollars. The set includes earrings, a necklace, and a bracelet, with each having a massive light-blue aquamarine centerpiece.
There are several elegant parures, for example, a diamond-and-ruby heart-themed jewelry set or the Van Cleef & Arpels set with deep-green emeralds and white diamonds. The necklace and earrings from the latter go really well together and include five tear-shaped and cushion-cut emeralds and dozens of round diamonds. Another item from the same company is an exquisite diamond ring that was presented to Bassey by Elton John. His gift commemorates her performance at one of Elton’s charitable events.
Overall, the auctioned collection includes about eighty jewelry pieces. All of them are dear to Bassey’s heart and bring back memories from both her career and private life. The singer is willing to part with her prized possessions to help several noble causes and donate the money she will get from the auction to charities. The items will be showcased at two Sotheby’s events: the first exhibition in London (from May 24 to 29) and the second one in Paris (from October 4 to 8). The latter will be followed by the actual sale that will take place on October 10, 2024, during the Fine Jewels event in Paris.
