Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty; Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty
Kim Kardashian’s jewelry collection just got way more regal.
On Wednesday, the SKIMS mogul, 42, bought the diamond-encrusted amethyst Attallah cross pendant, famously worn by Princess Diana, at Sotheby’s annual Royal & Noble auction.
The Kardashians rigidly bid for the piece — featuring square-cut amethysts accented by circular-cut diamonds weighing 5.25 carats — eventually snapping it up for $197,453 in the past five minutes. Sotheby’s notes that this was “double the pre-auction estimate”.
“This is a bold piece of jewelry in its size, color and style, which can’t help but make a vibrant statement whether it be for faith or fashion – or both,” shared Kristian Spofforth, Head of Jewelry at Sotheby London, in a statement. statement. . “We are delighted that this piece has found new life in the hands of another globally renowned name.”
Sources confirm to PEOPLE that Kim is honored to own a beautiful piece of jewelry once worn by the late princess. The beautiful cross pendant will be added to her growing collection of jewelry, pieces that were once worn or owned by strong, iconic women who inspired Kim.
The late Princess of Wales wore the pendant on multiple occasions, most notably at the 1987 Birthright charity gala in London, in support of the organisation’s humanitarian work for those who were pregnant and giving birth.
She wore the jeweled pendant with floral details on a long pearl necklace and with a royal purple Victorian velvet dress by Catherine Walker.
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty
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According to a Sotheby’s press release, the ornament has a decades-long history, beginning with court jeweler Garrard, who designed the one-off pendant in the 1920s. It was later bought by the late Naim Attallah CBE, the former group director of Asprey & Garrard who often lent the unique jewel to Princess Diana in the 1980s. According to Sotheby’s release, the cross was only ever worn by the princess and after her death it has not been seen in public to date.
The organization also notes that Princess Diana had a close relationship with the jeweler, a bond so connected that in 1981 she chose her engagement ring from the house.
Sotheby’s
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Kardashian previously made headlines for re-wearing pop culture artifacts.
Last May, she broke the internet — and caused backlash — after stepping out to the 2022 Met Gala in the same crystal-embellished Jean Louis dress Marilyn Monroe wore when she serenaded then-President John F. Kennedy on his birthday in 1962.
Borrowed from Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum in Orlando, Florida, the iconic champagne-colored silk soufflé dress featured a form-fitting silhouette and a scoop neckline.
John Schelder/Getty; KENA BETANCUR/Getty
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Kardashian went to great lengths to embody the Hollywood icon, bleaching her hair platinum blonde for “14 straight hours” and participating in a no-carb, no-sugar diet.
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Though she received backlash for her weight loss and for wearing the iconic, delicate garment in the first place, Kardashian likened the transformation to an actor preparing for an on-screen role. New York Times: “For me it was like, ‘Okay, Christian Bale can do it for a movie role and that’s acceptable'”, adding, “Even Renée Zellweger came on for a part. For me it’s all the same.”
