Actress Kerr's gems make £50,000

Jewels owned by late film star Deborah Kerr have fetched more than £50,000 at an auction in London.

A three-stone diamond engagement ring from her first marriage sold for £33,600 - £11,000 more than expected.

Other antique items owned by the actress included a gold and turquoise snake-like chain, which made £5,760.

The King and I star Kerr was nominated for an Oscar six times and was given an honorary award by the Academy in 1994. She died last year at the age of 86.

'Sky high'

An amethyst necklace, 19th century diamond set ring and pearl, emerald and diamond bracelet also sold for above their price estimates.

Kerr's collection had rested in a bank vault in recent years and was sold on behalf of her family.

Her engagement ring, containing yellow-tinted diamonds, was given to her by her first husband, Squadron Leader Anthony Charles Bartley, who she married in 1945.

A spokeswoman for auction house Bonhams said: "Glamorous jewellery with celebrity connections, combined with fantastic provenance, will always prove popular among collectors."

She added that prices had been "forced sky high" in the sale.

Scottish-born Kerr's other film credits included The Innocents and Black Narcissus.

She played down her successful career, saying it was down to "a lot of luck".

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