Imelda Marcos's confiscated jewellery to be sold

Image copyrightReuters

Image captionThe former first lady's confiscated jewellery collection was appraised by Sotheby's experts

A huge collection of jewellery that once belonged to the former first lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos, is to be sold at auction.

It was seized by the government when her husband, Ferdinand Marcos, was overthrown in 1986.

The jewellery has been valued at more than $21m (£14.5m).

The authorities are rushing to sell the jewels in case the couple's son, Ferdinand Marcos Junior, becomes vice-president in elections in May. 

Officials fear he would then stop the auction.

Mrs Marcos had tried to prevent the sale. 

What happened to the Marcos millions?

Image copyrightAFP

Image captionImelda Marcos gained a reputation for her lavish lifestyle

The family and associates are estimated to have amassed more than $10bn (£6.1bn) in property, jewellery, cash and other assets during their time in power. 

Mrs Marcos has consistently denied embezzlement.

She was found guilty on corruption charges in the mid-1990s and sentenced to a minimum of 12 years in prison, but the conviction was overturned on appeal.

In 2014 some artworks in her possession were taken away by the authorities, who said she had acquired them with state funds.

Mrs Marcos lived a lavish lifestyle during her husband's 21-year rule. She is best known for amassing a huge collection of designer shoes during the family's tenure in power

After the coup that overthrew Mr Marcos, hundreds of millions of pounds were recovered from his bank account in Switzerland and later awarded to the government.