Brazilian philanthropist Lily Safra has selected four British organisations among 20 charities to benefit from the $20m auction of her jewellery collection.

The Royal Opera House, Imperial College London, Kings College London (pictured) and the Elton John Aids Foundation are among other charities from Israel, France, Switzerland and the US which will receive donations as a result of the auction of 70 pieces of jewellery. The auction is due to be held at Christie’s in Geneva on 14 May.

Lily Safra, widow of Brazilian banker Edmond Safra and chair of his eponymous foundation, is believed to have a net worth of $1bn and was ranked as the world’s 701st richest person by Forbes in 2009. On his death Safra divided his estate between family members and charity.

The foundation has a particular interest in religion, culture, science and medicine and humanitarian relief.

Lily Safra has previously made large donations to charities via auction sales.  In 2005 she donated $3m to New York charities in a Sotheby’s auction of furniture and art. Her association with the Elton John Aids Foundation earned her an ‘enduring vision’ award from the charity and she has previously extensively supported London cultural institutions, including the Courtauld Institute of Art.