Beyonce Knowles: The Art Collector  11/9/06

Pop beauty Beyonce Knowles has started collecting African-American art, after deciding flash cars devalue too quickly.

The former Destiny's Child singer, 25, bought her first and only car nine years ago, and has resisted the temptation from following her boyfriend JAY-Z's passion for Bentleys and Mercedes.

She says, "I figured I needed to invest in something and I really love art.

"I don't buy cars. The first cheque I got when I was 16, I bought a car and I haven't bought a car since.

"I don't buy jewelry. I bought a really big diamond ring when I was 16, wore it and everyone said I was engaged, so I was like, 'I can't even wear it.'

I haven't bought anything else since. I really am kinda cheap."