Jewellery owned by late opera legend Maria Callas has stunned auctioneers by selling for $1.87 million (GBP1 million) - triple the pre-sale estimate.

The 11 pieces were sold at Sotheby's in Geneva, Switzerland, by an unnamed heir who had held onto the collection since the soprano's death in 1977.

An 11.7-carat diamond ring called La Divina was the most expensive lot in the auction, fetching $397,500 (GBP213,500) - nearly five times the original estimate set by experts.

Sotheby's spokesman DAVID BENNETT says, "There was big interest from all over - collectors, professionals and fans of opera.

"These jewels have never been on the market before."

A large part of the collection consisted of items given to Maria Callas by her first husband, GIOVANNI MENEGHINI, half a century ago.

19/11/2004 09:12