Kim Kardashian purchases Attallah Cross pendant worn by Princess Diana
The diamond-lined Attallah Cross pendant that Diana, Princess of Wales, wore on multiple occasions was purchased by Kim Kardashian for £163,800 (approximately $200,000).
A representative for Kardashian was able to outbid other bidders for the amethyst cross during the final five minutes of the Royal and Noble collection sale at Sotheby's in London on Wednesday.
According to Sotheby's, the item was sold for more than double its pre-auction estimate.
Kristian Spofforth, head of jewelry at Sotheby's London, stated in a press release on Wednesday, "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."
Spofforth went on to say, "We are delighted that this piece has found a new lease of life in the hands of another globally famous name."
According to the auction house, the pendant was made in 1920 by court jewelers Garrard. It has square-cut amethyst stones in the shape of a cross and circular-cut diamonds in a distinct flowery design.
The total diamond weight of the piece is approximately 5.25 carats, and its dimensions are approximately 5.4 inches by 3.7 inches.
According to Sotheby's, one of Princess Diana's famous dresses is up for sale. The late businessman Naim Attallah bought it from Garrard in the 1980s and loaned it to his friend, Princess Diana, to wear to events several times.
According to the auction house, Princess Diana "had a particular fondness" for the pendant. In October 1987, she wore a black and purple Catherine Walker dress to a charity gala to support Birthright, a charity that works to protect human rights during pregnancy and childbirth.
The princess became a household name after marrying Charles III, the current British king, in 1981. She used her fame to raise awareness for a variety of causes, including mental health, leprosy, HIV, and domestic violence.
According to the release from Sotheby's, "Princess Diana's confidence grew during the 1980s as she became known for increasingly bold fashion choices, moving away from the more romantic and subdued style she had hitherto favoured."
It went on to say that "the fact that she is known to have worn what is now known as the Attallah Cross on several occasions, mostly to private occasions, substantiates this evolution."
The auction house is aware that Diana was the only person who ever wore the cross, and that this is the first time that it has been seen in public since Diana passed away.
Despite the fact that this is a piece of British royal history, Kardashian is well-known for wearing a piece of Hollywood history to the Met Gala last year. When Marilyn Monroe sang "Happy Birthday" to President John F. Kennedy in 1962, the 42-year-old wore a sparkling, skin-tight gown on the red carpet.
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