Her jewelry collection Shirley Bassey broke a world record in auction in Paris, with all creations belonging to the singer being sold for a collective price of 2.2 million euros.

Shirley Bassey, who grew up in Tiger Bay, Cardiff and is best known for her 1971 James Bond film hit, “Diamonds Are Forever”starring Sir Sean Connery has previously stated that he accepted the offer to sing the song as its lyrics “ring true”.

The collection was sold at a Sotheby’s auction on October 10, with proceeds going to charities of the singer’s choice.

A 1960s Van Cleef and Arpels diamond ring with brilliant-cut diamonds given to her by Sir Elton John sold for €48,000, more than triple its original estimate of €10,000 to €15,000.

A Van Cleef and Arpels emerald and diamond necklace, bought by the singer to mark her first Royal Variety Performance in front of Queen Elizabeth II, sold for €174,000, more than double its original estimate of €50,000 to €70,000.

A vintage diamond brooch from 1905 sold for €162,000, nearly five times its original estimate of between €26,000 and €35,000.

Shirley Bassey

“I fell in love with jewelry when I first discovered natural pearls as an aspiring singer and bought myself my first string of pearls – the first piece of jewelry I ever bought,” Shirley Bassey said before the auction.

Shirley Bassey

“However, I quickly moved on to my lifelong passion for diamonds which preceded the recording of ‘Diamonds Are Forever’. In fact, I agreed to sing the song because it felt true to me and how I feel about diamonds then and now.” the singer explained.

Shirley Bassey

“Collecting jewelry for me is like collecting memories and this collection is full of them” he added.

Shirley Bassey