Barbara Taylor Bradford: 'I don't believe in buying your own jewellery if you're a woman' Speaking ahead of the sale, which is due to take place on December 5, she said it had been a "wrench" to select pieces to sell, adding she did not believe they should remain stored away. "I've enjoyed those pieces," she said. I'd had them for years and a lot of times they had remained in the safe. When you've owned beautiful things, and I still have quite a few beautiful things left, they shouldn't be in a safe. They should be being worn by another person, another woman. She should enjoy it and love the piece. Speaking of the pieces she had on offer, the author added: "The husband should be buying it for her. I don't believe in buying your own jewellery if you're a woman. When asked about how the collection came together, she said each jewel had been given as a gift to commemorate a birthday, an anniversary, a finished novel or simply as a surprise. "Bob says he doesn't need an occasion to give me a piece of jewellery, only a reason," Taylor Bradford said. Star pieces coming up for auction include a sapphire and diamond ring, by Harry Winston, estimated at £100,000 to £150,000, a diamond and multi-coloured sapphire necklace by Alberto e Lina at £5,500 to £6,500 and a tourmaline and diamond necklace and matching ring given to celebrate the couple's 21st wedding anniversary. "I've had a wonderful marriage" said Taylor Bradford. And I can offer these jewels at auction because I still have the man who gave them to me. Selected Jewels from the Collection of Barbara Taylor Bradford auction will take place at 2pm on Thursday, December 5 at Bonhams, New Bond Street, London, with pre-sale viewings taking place from Saturday, November 30.