She might have once described herself as a ‘fiend for costume jewellery’ with ‘countless pairs of rhinestone or diamante earrings’, but Dame Joan Collins also has a taste for the real deal. Her own jewellery collection is as dazzling and decadent as the pieces worn by her Dynasty alter ego, Alexis Carrington Colby, whose over-the-top ‘80s costumes the actress helped to devise.

From glamorous diamond necklaces to power earrings and, of course, no fewer than five engagement rings, her taste in baubles is every bit as extravagant as fans would hope. And now the actress has sold five of her most precious pieces in aid of The Shooting Star Children’s Hospice, a charity of which she is a patron, that cares for children with life-limiting conditions.

The jewels auctioned in Bonhams’ London Jewels sale on 12 November included an extraordinary diamond necklace, which Dame Joan bought in 1985, at the height of her Dynasty fame.

Totalling over 60 carats, the necklace features brilliant, marquise and baguette-cut white diamonds that intertwine and cascade like an unravelling ribbon - the epitome of glamour and evening elegance. The actress wore the necklace to the Mayfair launch of her autobiography, Passion for Life, in 2013. It sold for £69,000 - at the top end of its £50,000 - £70,000 estimate.

Also included in the sale was a pair of ruby and diamond pendant earrings, in which unusual ruby plaques are bordered by diamonds, which sold for £7,012 against an estimate of £2,000 - £3,000.

A 1930s diamond brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels soared far above its £15,000 - £20,000 estimate, selling for £122,750. The brooch is crafted in the shape of a spiral of brilliant and baguette-cut diamonds: a style of which Dame Joan is obviously a fan.

Two further jewels auctioned for the charity were a torque-style gold and diamond collar (sold for £10,200, estimate £4,000 - £6,000) that screams 1980s glam, and an elaborate pair of diamond earrings (sold for £15,250, estimate £2,000 - £3,000) that feature intricate openwork cartouche pendants suspended from diamond-set flowers. They are typical of the actress’s preference for enormous, eye-catching earrings that glitter from beneath her trademark brunette bouffant.

“The pieces from Dame Joan Collins’ collection of jewellery embody the Hollywood glamour for which she is known and it was a privilege to be able to offer them for sale this November,” said Jean Ghika, Bonhams’ global director of jewellery.

It’s not the first time the Dame’s jewellery has appeared at auction. In 2015 she sold several pieces at California auction house Julien’s Auctions, including a Kenneth Lane necklace she wore on screen, costume jewellery by Chanel and Dior and a whopping replica diamond, alongside gowns, artwork and even personal love letters from Warren Beatty.

In celebration of this chance to channel your inner Alexis Carrington, take a look back at Dame Joan’s most fabulous jewellery over the years.

Wearing the diamond necklace that will be auctioned at Bonhams

 A diamond necklace and earrings for a party in Saint Tropez in 2019

Channelling Alexis Carrington, complete with tiara, at the Met Gala in 2019

In full Alexis glam at the height of Dynasty mania in 1984

Wearing a bejewelled floral necklace at a gala in LA in 2010 

Diamonds and pearls for Hello Magazine's 30th anniversary party in London in 2018

Diamond (or diamante) chandelier earrings are a Joan Collins signature - here she wears an extravagant pair at a gala to honour Valentino in New York in 2015 

More chandeliers - plus matching bracelets and a gobstopper-sized ring - at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar party

All-out Dame glamour at the Royal Film Performance of 'Spectre' at The Royal Albert Hall in 2015 

Going for gold at a party in Saint Tropez in 2011

A night at the theatre in 2011, wearing the gold and diamond choker that will be auctioned at Bonhams

Wearing a rock crystal necklace and diamond earrings at a Beverly Hills ball in 2012

Bejewelled florals for a charity ball in 2003

The actress loves diamonds and pearls - so what better than a pair of diamond earrings finished with pearls for the 2002 British Academy Television Awards?

A pop of colour with emerald earrings to match her gown at a party at Hampton Court Palace in 2008

A diamond bow brooch, bangles and her signature chandeliers at the launch of her novel Misfortune's Daughters in 2004

Dame Joan's earrings must compete with her signature bouffant - and these dazzling chandeliers, worn at the 2015 Screen Actors Guild Awards, don't disappoint 

Wearing the 60-carat diamond necklace set to be auctioned at Bonhams for a 'Celebration of the Arts' event at the Royal Academy of Arts in 2012

Turquoise and coloured gemstones evoke a holiday vibe for a Midsummer Party hosted by Elton John and David Furnish in Antibes in 2019 

All-out Old Hollywood glamour in bejewelled stars at the 2017 BAFTA Television Awards 

Jewellery from the collection of Dame Joan Collins will be auctioned at Bonhams' London Jewels sale on November 12; bonhams.com

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