KIM KARDASHIAN, A fan of celebrity memorabilia, has added a stunning significant piece of jewelry to her collection.
The reality star outcompeted three other bidders for the diamond- and amethyst-encrusted Attallah Cross pendant, a favorite of Princess Diana’s, in the last five minutes of the Sotheby’s London Royal and Noble auction on Jan. 18. The piece sold for $197,453, well above its pre-auction estimate of $99,000 to $149,000.
The annual sale features objects with aristocratic provenance. The pendant is a beautiful set jewel with square-cut amethysts accented by circular-cut diamonds. The cross measures approximately 136 millimeters by 95 millimeters.
Shown above is Diana, princess of Wales, wearing the Attallah Cross at a charity event in 1987.
Sotheby’s reported that the cross, of fleurée style, made distinct by flowery design details, was created around 1920 by court jewelers Garrard, the house from which Diana chose her iconic engagement ring in 1981. She famously wore the pendant in October 1987, paired with a Catherine Walker dress, to a gala in support of Birthright, a charity working towards the protection of human rights during pregnancy and childbirth.
The cross was bought from Garrard by Naim Attallah, former group chief executive of Asprey & Garrard, in the 1980s, and he loaned it to her several times over the years to wear at events. It is believed that the cross was only ever worn by the princess. Following her death, it was never again seen in public until the sale.
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Kristian Spofforth, head of jewelry for Sotheby’s London, said in a statement, “This is a bold piece of jewelry by its size, color and style which cannot fail to make a vibrant statement, whether it be of faith or fashion — or indeed both. We are delighted that this piece has found a new lease of life within the hands of another globally famous name.”
According to an insider who spoke to People, Kardashian is “honored to have this piece formerly worn by the late princess in her collection.” The source added that this will be “the latest addition to her growing collection of pieces once worn by or owned by strong, iconic women who have inspired her.”
Kardashian’s collection also includes Jackie Kennedy’s Cartier watch, which she purchased in 2017 for $379,500. And the reality star showed her affinity for celebrity memorabilia more recently at the 2022 Met Gala. Social media spoke out in mixed and often whimsical memes about her dress, which was the same one that Marilyn Monroe wore to sing “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to President John F. Kennedy.
But I am more interested in how she will wear the regally prominent Attallah Cross. Let’s wait and see.