Dame Shirley Bassey is celebrated for many things: her powerful voice, her status as a music icon with a career spanning over seven decades, and her timeless elegance, glamour, and grace. Growing up in Tiger Bay, the Welsh singer never imagined the heights her career would reach, taking her across the globe and earning her countless accolades. Alongside her enduring passion for music, Dame Shirley has another great love: jewellery. Now, the legendary voice behind the iconic James Bond theme "Diamonds Are Forever" is preparing to part with some of her treasured diamonds at an upcoming auction in Paris, including a diamond ring gifted to her by Sir Elton John.
This marks the first time Dame Shirley is auctioning her jewellery, offering a rare opportunity to acquire these exquisite pieces. More importantly, the proceeds will benefit her chosen charities, making this event not only a celebration of her legacy but also a meaningful contribution to causes close to her heart. The collection is estimated to be worth around £2 million.
Shirley Bassey’s Diamonds Are Forever
The auction, scheduled to take place in Paris on October 10th, offers enthusiasts of Dame Shirley Bassey’s jewelry a unique opportunity to acquire not merely a gem of exceptional quality but a tangible piece of history. As Dame Shirley herself recently noted, "Each piece carries significant meaning and a story of its own, whether it was a personal acquisition or a gift bestowed upon me." This event showcases not only remarkable artistry but also a collection steeped in a rare and illustrious history. Among the most notable items is a vintage 1960s Van Cleef & Arpels ring, gifted to Dame Shirley by Elton John following her performance at one of his AIDS gala evenings. Another standout offering is a ruby and diamond heart parure, acquired during a stopover in Thailand en route to her inaugural concert in Australia. This auction represents an extraordinarily rare opportunity to bid and secure some truly remarkable pieces.
The auction will feature over 70 pieces, including rubies, sapphires, and diamonds, to raise a substantial sum for charity. Sotheby’s anticipates significant interest, particularly in the emerald and diamond necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, which is expected to attract bids ranging from £52,000 to £65,000. Additional highlights include a diamond necklace, projected to fetch between £232,420 and £275,460, and a Cartier diamond and gold parure, estimated at £215,210. A yellow diamond ring is expected to command £172,150, alongside an aquamarine, sapphire, diamond, and gem set, estimated between £51,640 and £60,250.
A Career Marked by Royal Honours and Global Fame
Bassey’s stellar career has gone from strength to strength which is exemplified by the fact she is now in her eighth decade in the spotlight. Her God-given talent, ability to connect with her audience and endless charisma have connected her with people of different generations from all across the globe. Despite its longevity, the singer shows no plans of slowing down stating: “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 holds the distinction of being the only artist to have recorded not one, but three iconic James Bond themes – a feat that many recording artists would consider the opportunity of a lifetime. Her powerful renditions of "Goldfinger," "Diamonds Are Forever," and "Moonraker" have become legendary, securing her place in music history. At 87, the Welsh singer has been honoured with induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame and, most recently, was appointed a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour by King Charles III, a testament to her profound contributions to music. Already a Dame since the 1999 Honours List, Bassey admitted that receiving this rare accolade from the King left her more nervous than performing for him. The exclusive title, awarded for services of "conspicuous national importance," is limited to just 65 individuals, underscoring the exceptional nature of her talents.
Diamonds Are Forever
Diamonds Are Forever is undoubtedly one of the most iconic songs of all time and the recording alone, from 1971, secured the singer’s place in music history. Her powerful, faultless 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 lustre on / Diamonds are forever, forever, forever."
A Legacy Beyond the World of Music
Over the course of her seven-decade career, Dame Shirley Bassey has established a legacy of resilience, extraordinary talent, and an unwavering commitment to the world of music. Her performances for heads of state, celebrities, and royalty have cemented her as a significant cultural figure, while her influence on the music industry and her contributions to society are both profound and multifaceted. Bassey's philanthropic endeavours, particularly her support for charities focused on cancer research and children’s welfare, further highlight her dedication to social causes. Notably, the Dame Shirley Bassey Scholarship, which provides financial support to art students and young music performers, shows her commitment to ensuring that future generations have ample opportunities to succeed.
Dame Shirley Bassey's legacy will undoubtedly continue to be a powerful and enduring influence on the entertainment industry for generations to come. The opportunity to own a piece of that legacy through the acquisition of one of her exquisite jewellery items represents a significant honour for any successful bidder.
