Dame Shirley Bassey's Historic Jewellery Auction: A Complete Guide to Her Extraordinary Collection
The legendary Dame Shirley Bassey, voice of "Diamonds Are Forever," is set to auction her personal jewellery collection at Sotheby's London. This extraordinary sale represents not just stunning pieces, but a lifetime of memories from one of Britain's most beloved performers.
The Crown Jewels of the Collection
The Diamond Necklace
At the heart of this remarkable auction lies a breath-taking diamond necklace, expected to achieve between £232,420 and £275,460. This exceptional piece exemplifies the glamour and sophistication that Dame Shirley has embodied throughout her illustrious career.
The Cartier Parure
Among the most anticipated lots is an exquisite diamond and gold parure by Cartier, estimated at £172,170 to £215,210. This magnificent suite showcases the pinnacle of French haute joaillerie craftsmanship.
Stories Behind the Sparkle
Each piece in Dame Shirley's collection carries its own fascinating narrative:
The Elton John Gift
A vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring, presented to Dame Shirley by Sir Elton John himself, represents the deep friendships formed during her remarkable career. This piece symbolises the special bonds between music industry legends.
The Bangkok Discovery
During her first journey to Australia, Dame Shirley discovered a stunning ruby and diamond heart parure in Bangkok. This beautiful find combines Eastern craftsmanship with Western glamour, reflecting her global appeal and adventures.
The Royal Variety Memory
An emerald parure commemorating her first Royal Variety Performance stands as a testament to her rise from Tiger Bay, Cardiff, to international stardom. This piece captures a pivotal moment in British entertainment history.
The Charitable Impact
True to her generous spirit, Dame Shirley has directed that proceeds from this historic auction will benefit several charitable causes. This decision transforms each purchase into an act of philanthropy, supporting:
- Education initiatives
- Healthcare programmes
- Arts development
- Community support projects
Expert Insights
At Fogal and Barnes Fine Jewellers, we're particularly excited about this auction as it represents:
- Exceptional craftsmanship from renowned houses
- Historical significance in British culture
- Investment potential in celebrity provenance
- Charitable impact through luxury acquisition
Contact Us for Guidance
Our team of experts can assist with:
- Pre-auction valuations
- Bidding strategy consultation
- Authentication services
- Post-auction care and maintenance
Visit our Harrogate boutique to discuss this historic auction:
- Location: 14 Cambridge Street, Harrogate, HG1 1RX
- Phone: 07535469810
- Email: sales@fogalandbarnes.com
- Instagram: @FogalAndBarnes
Fogal and Barnes Fine Jewellers - Your trusted advisors for significant jewellery acquisitions.
