Jewellery belonging to Italian film star Gina Lollobrigida are due to go on sale at an auction in Geneva, according to BBC News.

Her collection is expected to raise several million dollars and the veteran actress says she plans to donate the proceeds to charity.

More than 20 pieces - many created by Italian jeweller Bulgari - are going under the hammer on Tuesday, may 14.

Lollobrigida, who rose to stardom in the 1950s and 1960s, says she wants the money to go to stem cell research.

Among the items are a pair of Bulgari natural pearl and diamond pendants from 1964, which are expected to sell for up to 940,000 Swiss francs, according to the Sotheby's catalogue.

"These are her taste in jewels," said David Bennett of Sotheby's Geneva. "So often women are lucky enough to be given jewellery, but when you have an actress, a famous lady, who has chosen the jewellery herself it makes it that much more interesting."

Lollobrigida, known in her native country as La Lolla, appeared in films including The World's Most Beautiful Woman (1955) and Come September (1961) but now works as a sculptor.

"I began collecting jewels from Bulgari in the 1950s and 60s, drawn by the wonderful craftsmanship and distinctive style of these pieces," said the 85-year-old. "But a sculptor has little need for jewels, so I have decided the time is right to share them with other collectors."