Shirley Bassey is a Welsh-born singer with a voice of gold and a stage presence to match. Her remarkable career is commensurate with her global fame, having captivated audiences for over seven decades. Music has been a constant companion and source of inspiration throughout Shirley Bassey’s life. Growing up in Wales, Tiger Bay the artist would dream of travelling the world over, yet she never imagined that one day her voice would see her carve such a unique path in music history.
The legendary vocalist has made no secret of her life-long love affair with jewellery, especially diamonds. Though she sang the title song from the James Bond blockbuster Diamonds Are Forever, it looks like she will soon be parting with many of her own. However, is all for a good cause.
Of legendary provenance, some of Dame Shirley Bassey’s jewellery pieces and watch collection will find their new owners at Sotheby’s upcoming auction in Paris. This is the first time the legendary artist is bringing her jewellery to an auction event, with all proceeds going to her chosen charities.
Every piece in the auction is symbolic of a particular moment in the singer’s life and, most importantly, a special episode in her career. The collection coming to Sotheby’s auction house in Paris is estimated to be worth around £2 million (AED 9.8 million) and includes a diamond ring gifted to the artist by Sir Elton John.
Shirley Bassey’s Diamonds Unveiled at Sotheby’s
On the 10th of October, one big spender (as the song goes) will most likely get their hands on Dame Shirley Bassey's diamonds forever. The auction will highlight over seventy pieces spanning various styles, including ruby, sapphire, and diamond parure.
Each piece is a testament to the artist’s lifelong connection to natural diamonds, as she recently remarked: “All the pieces are meaningful and have a story to tell, whether I bought them for myself or they were gifted to me".
The collection is a dazzling showcase of both personal history and exquisite artistry. Among the standout pieces is a vintage 1960s Van Cleef & Arpels ring, gifted by Elton John after Shirley Bassey performed at one of his AIDS gala evenings, a piece she cherished and wore on many occasions. Also featured is a ruby and diamond heart parure, discovered during a stopover in Bangkok en route to her first concert tour in Australia. The collection's crown jewel is the emerald parure, purchased to commemorate her Royal Variety performance before the late Queen.
Sotheby’s expect the emerald and diamond necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels to attract bids from £52,000 to £65,000 (AED 252,026 to 315,015).
The auction also includes a diamond necklace, expected to fetch between £232,420 and £275,460,(AED 1.1 mil to 1.3 mil), and a Cartier diamond and gold parure, estimated at £215,210 (AED 1mil). Additionally, a yellow diamond ring is anticipated to fetch £172,150 (AED 632,287) alongside an aquamarine, sapphire, diamond, and gem set estimated between £51,640 and £60,250 (AED 251,000 to 291,501).
A Career Marked by Royal Honours and Global Fame
Bassey’s career has been defined by adulation from audiences and continues to command respect within the music industry. Her indomitable spirit, dedication to her craft, and ability to connect with audiences across generations undoubtedly translated into international stardom.
The singer candidly remarked: “Every step of my career has been about taking that chance, believing in myself, and making that leap. I live to sing and love to perform. Entertaining audiences for over 70 years has been a privilege.”
Dame Shirley Bassey is the only vocalist who recorded three James Bond themes – "Goldfinger," "Diamonds Are Forever," and "Moonraker" – her career having been marked by unparalleled longevity and success. The Welsh singer, 87 was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and was recently appointed a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour by King Charles III, in recognition of her significant contributions to music. Having been made a Dame in the 1999 Honours List, Bassey remarked that receiving this rare accolade from the King made her more nervous than performing for him. The exclusive title is awarded for services of "conspicuous national importance," and is notably limited to only 65 individuals.
Diamonds Are Forever
Few songs are as iconic as Shirley Bassey’s "Diamonds Are Forever," the 1971 James Bond theme that forever secured the singer’s place in music history. Her powerful, unmistakable voice, paired with the timeless allure of natural diamonds, preserved the song’s status, creating an enduring connection between the legendary British artist and the world of fine jewellery.
Her lifelong passion for diamonds preceded the recording of Diamonds Are Forever, a song she chose to perform because “ it rang true to me and the way I felt about diamonds then and now”.
"Diamonds never lie to me / For when love's gone, they'll luster on / Diamonds are forever, forever, forever."
Dame Shirley recounts she first fell in love with jewellery when she discovered natural pearls – the first piece of jewellery she ever bought, as an up-and-coming singer.
Shirley Bassey’s Impact Extends Beyond the World of Music
Throughout her career, Bassey has created a lasting legacy defined by resilience, talent, and immense commitment to the world of music. She has performed for heads of state, celebrities, and royalty, and her impact on the industry and public contributions remain profound and multifaceted. Her philanthropic efforts have seen her support numerous charities and organisations focused on cancer research and children’s welfare, as evidenced by her work with the Dame Shirley Bassey Scholarship, which finances art students and young music performers.
As she continues to inspire us, Dame Shirley Bassey’s legacy will remain an enduring force and will nurture the entertainment industry for many generations to come.
