Kim Kardashian continues to expand its collection of pieces from bygone icons with another item: the Attallah Cross, an amethyst pendant worn by Princess Diana.
The necklace was sold in one Sotheby’s auction for Kardashian for $197,453 (£163,800) – more than double its pre-auction estimate – on Jan. 18, the company announced.
You may recognize the Amethyst Cross from a photo of Princess Diana taken at a charity gala in aid of Birthright, a nonprofit organization focused on protecting human rights during pregnancy and childbirth, in October 1987. The necklace was created in the 1920s by the old luxury jeweler Garrard, likely as a special private commission, according to Sotheby’s. Garrard – who made her engagement ring from 1981 – lent it to Princess Diana. It was bought by Naim Attallah CBE, former group chief executive of Asprey & Garrard, in the 1980s, who allowed the royal to wear it to various events. It is believed that the necklace has only ever been worn by Princess Diana and has not been seen in public until now.
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“This is a bold piece of jewelery in its size, color and style, which cannot fail to make a vivid statement, whether of faith or fashion – or indeed both,” Sotheby’s London Head of Jewelry Kristian Spofforth said in a press release . “We are delighted that this piece has found new life in the hands of another globally renowned name.”
Photo: Courtesy of Sotheby’s
Adorned with square amethysts and circular cut diamonds, the pendant weighs approximately 5.25 carats. Kardashian beat out three other bidders for it during Sotheby’s Royal and Noble sale.
If she borrowed Marilyn Monroe dress for Met Gala 2022 or pay $65,625 for one of Michael Jackson’s hatsKardashian has been shown to have a thing for pieces previously seen on important historical figures.
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