Ironically, Kim Kardashian can now bask in the glamor of Princess Diana. At Sotheby’s, the entrepreneur was awarded a legendary piece of jewelry, Lady Dis. Why the ex-rapper’s wife shelled out $200,000 for the imposing Attallah cross.
LONDON – Princess Diana (36, † 1997) made a statement at the Birthright Charity Ball on October 27, 1987. Daring outfits were not alien to her anyway, but on this day Diana, the mother of Prince William (40) and Prince Harry (38), go one better. She wore a violet robe by Catherine Walker, reminiscent of the Elizabethan era, and an imposing crucifix of extravagance that could hardly be surpassed. Diana had attached the oversized accessory to her own pearl necklace, the pompous cross hanging below the solar plexus. Social media queen Kim Kardashian (40) is now the proud new owner and, according to tmz.com, did not splurge with the equivalent of 184,788 euros in the Royal and Noble auction.
“Few people can wear this piece, but Diana really could”
Ramsay Attallah had the statement crucifix from his late father Naim Attallah (89, † 2021), a good friend of Diana. He loaned the special piece to the Princess of Wales for her to wear on a number of occasions. Ramsay has his own memories: “Growing up, we always had it on the table for Christmas dinner, but it was never worn by anyone other than Diana, and it hasn’t been seen in public since her death,” he says .
“The cruciform pendant – believed to be a one-off private commission by Garrard for one of her regular clients – is a bold and colorful piece, set with square-cut amethysts and accented with round-cut diamonds,” reads Sotheby’s press release. The cross has a total diamond weight of approximately 5.25 carats and measures approximately 136 x 95mm. Garrard also created Diana’s famous sapphire engagement ring, which has now passed as a gift from Prince William to Princess Kate, 41.
When there’s attention to be gained with exclusivity, Kim Kardashian is there
But how does family reality soap and social media star Kim Kardashian come into play? The mother of four, who divorced scandal rapper Kanye West (45) two months ago, apparently has a soft spot for historical fashion. She wore Marilyn Monroe’s (36, † 1962) “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress at the Met Gala 2022. For her, the royal fleurée-style showpiece is probably a unique luxury accessory that nobody can imitate her.
Anything that has something to do with Princess Diana often fetches amazing prices at auction. In particular, clothes and jewelry from the estate of King Charles’ (74) first wife achieve top prices. But also Diana’s bike or her Ford Escort RS, which went under the hammer 25 years later, fetch royal prices. Sources used: vogue.co.uk, pagesix.com
