Bond icon Shirley Bassey fetched a record sum at a jewelry auction in Paris. The proceeds go to a good cause.
If you believe their global hit “Diamonds Are Forever”, diamonds are made to last forever. Several pieces of jewelry from the collection of world star Shirley Bassey (87) have now changed hands at an auction. Bassey achieved record proceeds of an impressive 2.2 million euros. A gift from Sir Elton John (77) in particular aroused the interest of bidders.
Early passion for diamonds
The woman has truly written music history. With a total of three theme songs, Shirley Bassey is the only artist to contribute more than one Bond theme song. For Bassey, who grew up in poverty in Wales, things went uphill with the Bond titles “Goldfinger”, “Diamonds Are Forever” and “Moonraker”. And even as an aspiring singer, the diva developed a passion for jewelry and diamonds. The statement of “Diamonds Are Forever” comes very close to her “feelings about diamonds then and now,” said the singer. This is also why she agreed to the interpretation of the song in 1971.
Elton John’s ring gift auctioned off
At Sotheby’s auction in Paris, several glittering pieces from their collection went under the hammer. Among the treasures auctioned was a gift from another British music icon. Sir Elton John gave Bassey a Van Cleef and Arpels diamond ring with brilliants. The ring found a new owner for the equivalent of 48,000 euros – more than three times the estimated value. Bassey bought an emerald and diamond necklace from the same manufacturer to commemorate her first Royal Variety appearance in front of Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022). The necklace has now been auctioned for 174,000 euros – more than double the estimated value.
Proceeds for charities
According to Sotheby’s, the total proceeds of 2.2 million euros represent a new record for jewelry auctions in Paris. The impressive sum will benefit charities selected by Shirley Bassey. The former Bond singer continues to save the world. “Collecting jewelry for me is like collecting memories,” Bassey said before the auction. After the auction, the admirable artist’s wealth of experience has once again been enriched by several beautiful examples.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
