Kim Kardashian recently purchased an iconic cross necklace worn by Princess Diana at a Sotheby’s auction for nearly double the pre-auction estimate. The purchase will give the 34-year-old celebrity new royal history, and the piece will be hers to keep.
The cross necklace is made from circular-cut diamonds, surrounded by square-cut amethyst stones. It features an elaborate flower design and is a one-of-a-kind piece. This is the first time this piece has been put on the market since the late princess’s death.
As the daughter of British monarchs, Princess Diana became a global icon for her bold fashion choices and philanthropic efforts. She wore the cross necklace on numerous occasions. For example, when she serenaded John F. Kennedy on his birthday in 1962, she wore the same Jean Louis gown she had used for his inauguration.
Princess Diana had a close relationship with the jeweler Garrard. In fact, she selected her engagement ring from the house, and wore a fleuree-style pendant on a pearl string for her wedding to Prince Charles. A year later, she wore the cross necklace to attend a charity gala in support of the charity Birthright.
The Attallah cross has a colorful design, and it was one of the only pieces of jewelry that the late Princess of Wales wore. It was designed by the luxury jewellery designer Garrard.
When Diana first wore the cross in 1987, it weighed 5.25 carats. Attallah had loaned it to the late princess on several occasions. But he eventually died in February of 2021. After her death, the cross was put up for sale at Sotheby’s in London.
During the auction, four people competed for the piece. Ultimately, Kim Kardashian’s representative beat out the other bidders. She paid a total of PS163,800 for the cross.
The sale was part of the Royal and Noble Sale. A representative for the former reality star said she bought the piece to “bring a little bit of Diana to me.” And, to celebrate her new piece of royal history, she wore a similar Marilyn Monroe dress to the Met Gala in May.
Kim Kardashian is a trendsetter with a penchant for vintage fashion. This has led to her interest in historical fashion items. Among her recent purchases is the Lorraine Schwartz bangles that Elizabeth Taylor owned. Her interest in antique and historic fashion has garnered the attention of many, including celebrities like Cher and Dolce & Gabbana.
In addition to her love of fashion history, Kim Kardashian has also shown an interest in pop culture artifacts. She wore a Marilyn Monroe dress to the Met Gala last year. Her latest acquisition ruffled some feathers, as users have not forgiven her for borrowing the dress to wear at the Met Gala in 2022.
Princess Diana’s jewelry is rarely on the market. But, her famous cross necklace has made a splash at the Sotheby’s auction in London. The necklace sold for $202,300, almost double the pre-auction estimate.
