Shirley Bassey's diamonds fetch eye-watering sum at auction

Shirley Bassey's dazzling jewellery collection has fetched a world record £1.8million.

The Welsh singer’s plain ladies’ Cartier Baignoire gold wristwatch was auctioned for a record £54,976,22 times its estimate.

Her 1960s Van Cleef & Arpels diamond ring with brilliant-cut diamonds, a gift from , sold for £39,995, triple its estimate.

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A Van Cleef & Arpels emerald and diamond necklace, bought by Dame Shirley, 87, to celebrate her first Royal Variety Performance in 1961, fetched £144,985.

Dame Shirley, whose chart hits include Big Spender and Goldfinger, fell in love with jewellery as a young singer. She said: “I quickly graduated to my lifelong passion for diamonds which preceded the recording of Diamonds Are Forever.”

More than 80 pieces of hers were up for auction at Sotheby’s Fine Jewels sale in Paris last Thursday.

It included an aquamarine, sapphire, diamond and gem set, which went for £45,157. The sale proceeds went to the star’s chosen charities.

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