Recently, Sotheby’s achieved some new heights with its Paris bidding event, led by the jaw-dropping items of the acclaimed Welsh singer and diamond enthusiast.
The “Collection of Dame Shirley Bassey” was anticipated to fetch approximately a total of $2.29 million (€2.1 million). However, the event unfolded quite unpredictably and exceeded expectations by $2.4 million (€2.2 million) as some lots outperformed themselves by more than five times their maximum estimate.
At the beginning of her career, Shirley Bassey was into natural pearls, and the first valuable item she treated herself to was a string of these stunning gems. It is where her love for jewelry began. Later, she explored the beauty and attractiveness of other gemstones and precious metals, but diamonds managed to become her number one favorite. The Welsh star recalled agreeing to sing ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ as the lyrics were deeply relatable.
The auction took the most unexpected turn when the Cartier “Baignoire” went up for $71,712 (€66,000), while the estimated price varied between $1,635 and $3,270 (€1,500 – €3,000). This accessory features an oval white gold case and an unusual design from the start of the last century. Interestingly, Cartier successfully reintroduced the concept last year at the Watches & Wonders Geneva event.
Dame Shirley Bassey adores diamonds and celebrates them in the 1971 James Bond soundtrack “Diamonds Are Forever”. However, her Cartier “Baignoire” watch outshone all sparkling stones and was sold for a shocking $71,712 (€66,000).
Some other items from the singer’s collection fetched way more than expected. The 1960s Van Cleef & Arpels ring with cluster arrangement presented to Bassey by the one and only Elton John. This piece with multiple small diamonds was purchased for $52,071 (€48,000).
The highest pre-estimate of this Van Cleef & Arpels cluster ring is three-times lower than the final price it was sold for. Moreover, it is a memorable gift to Bassey from Elton John.
The final price for a 1905th bow brooch embellished with diamonds was $175,742 (€162,000), which is incomparably higher than its presale estimated price.
A diamond brooch with a bow design went for $175,742 (€162,000).
A real admirer of emeralds and diamonds purchased the Van Cleef & Arpels sophisticated necklace for $188,754 (€174,000), which is 2,5 times higher than was originally anticipated. This necklace is a memorable piece for Bassey as the artist purchased it herself after her historic performance before Queen Elizabeth II.
Following her performance in front of the Queen, Bassey celebrated this milestone by presenting herself a necklace with a detachable pendant. It was a diamond and emerald piece that was sold for $188,754 (€174,000).
October brought some pleasant news for Sotheby’s as the Paris Fine Jewels event went down in history as a record-breaker in so many ways. It is hard to believe, but more than 50% of all the lots topped their predicted prices, making this Parisian jewelry sale one of the biggest successes in several decades.
The sale event also set multiple brand-related milestones, including a Cartier “Tutti Frutti” wrist piece made around 1928. It became the one with the highest price of $520,487 (€480,000) sold at Sotheby’s Paris.
A new benchmark for Van Cleef & Arpels bracelets was set by the “Boucle” wrist piece acquired for $260,244 (€240,000), so it is considered the most expensive bracelet of the house ever sold at Sotheby’s Paris. The piece is encrusted with sapphires and diamonds.
Yet another stunning item that stole the show was a Georges Fouquet brooch, which featured not only diamonds, but a gorgeous aquamarine as a central stone and onyx as a black background in the shape of triangle and fetched up $136,654 (€126,000), becoming the most valuable Georges Fouquet accessory sold by Sotheby’s Paris.
The most valuable Georges Fouquet item sold at Sotheby’s Paris became a diamond brooch with aquamarine as a centerpiece. It went for $136,654 (€126,000).
