Auctions

Kim Kardashian Bought Princess Diana’s Amethyst Cross

AuctionsJan 19, 2023

Kim Kardashian Bought Princess Diana’s Amethyst Cross

The businesswoman and reality TV star paid nearly $200,000 for the “Attallah Cross.”

20230119_Attalah Cross Princess Di Kim Kardashian.jpg
Kim Kardashian is now the owner of this amethyst and diamond cross created by Garrard and worn by Princess Diana. A representative for the business mogul and reality TV star placed the winning bid for the pendant at Sotheby’s online “Royal & Noble” sale, paying $197,453.
London—Auction houses aren’t always at liberty to say who’s purchased their most high-profile pieces but it certainly can be interesting when they do. 
 
On Wednesday, Sotheby’s revealed the name of the person who bought the large amethyst cross pendant created by Garrard and worn by Princess Diana on several occasions—Kim Kardashian.
 
Sotheby’s offered the pendant as part of its online “Royal & Noble” sale, a mix of jewelry, furniture, ceramics and decorative objects with aristocratic ties. 
 
The “Attallah Cross,” as it was known, features square-cut amethysts and 5.25 total carats of circular-cut diamonds. It is a substantial piece, measuring 136 x 95 mm, or about 5 inches long by 4 inches wide.
 
The pre-sale estimate for the piece was £80,000 to £120,000 ($96,000 to$144,000).
 
Sotheby’s said Wednesday four bidders were competing for the piece in the last five minutes of the online-only auction, with a representative for Kardashian ultimately winning out.

The businesswoman and reality TV star paid £163,800 ($197,453) for the pendant, topping its highest pre-sale estimate by more than $50,000.
 
“This is a bold piece of jewelry by its size, color and style that cannot fail to make a vibrant statement, whether it be of faith or fashion—or indeed both,” said Kristian Spofforth, head of jewelry for Sotheby’s London. 
 
“We are delighted that this piece has found a new lease of life within the hands of another globally famous name.”
 
20230119_Princess Diana wearing pendant.jpg
One of Princess Diana’s most notable outings with the “Attallah Cross” came in 1987 when she paired the amethyst pendant with a purple and black velvet dress to an event supporting Birthrights, a charity that advocates for human rights during pregnancy and childbirth.
 
Once upon a time, Garrard was the British court jeweler, preparing the crown jewels for the coronations of every monarch from King Edward VII to Queen Elizabeth II. Princess Diana’s famed sapphire and diamond engagement ring—which now belongs to Catherine, Princess of Wales—came from Garrard. 
 
The jewelry house made the fleurée-style amethyst cross pendant around 1920. It is believed to have been a one-off private commission for a regular client.
 
The late Naim Attallah, a Garrard executive, bought the cross from the jewelry house in the 1980s and loaned it to Princess Diana many times. 
 
His son, Ramsay Attallah, told Sotheby’s, “Princess Diana and my father were friends and I remember that she often came to see him at the historic Garrard store on Regent Street, where his office was, and she would ask to borrow the pendant on several occasions—she really loved the piece.” 
 
One of her most notable outings came in 1987 when she paired the cross with a baroque-style purple and black velvet Catherine Walker & Co. dress for a charity event, two bold choices that symbolized the young princess’ growing self-assurance in her fashion and jewelry. 
 
Naim passed the pendant down to his son.

 After Princess Diana’s death in 1997, the Attallah Cross was put away. 
 
It had not been on public view since, until it was displayed in London this month ahead of the Sotheby’s sale. 
 
 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Kristen Bell, Angela Bassett, Lisa Manobal
EditorsSep 15, 2025
Skipping the Necklace, Embracing Snakes: The Best Jewelry From the 2025 Emmy Awards

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares eight of her favorite jewelry looks from the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held Sunday night.

Holiday presents in gift boxes
SurveysSep 15, 2025
Resilient Shoppers to Boost Holiday Retail Sales, Says Deloitte

It’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.

Buffalo Emerald
SourcingSep 15, 2025
Gemfields Achieves $32M at High-Quality Emerald Auction

It included the sale of the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald that was recently discovered at Kagem.

reDollar-fine-jewelry-department.jpg
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment Program

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

8.33-carat emerald-cut no-oil Brazilian emerald, A. Kleiman & Co.
SourcingSep 15, 2025
AGTA Elects 8 Members to Board of Directors

The newly elected directors will officially take office in February 2026 and will be introduced at the organization’s membership meeting.

Weekly QuizSep 12, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Rough montana sapphire
EditorsSep 12, 2025
Out & About: Mining Sapphires in Rock Creek, Montana

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.

Arunashi Fordite and Rhodolite Earrings
TrendsSep 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Arunashi’s Fordite and Rhodolite Earrings

Fordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Susan Jacques and Al Gilbertson
Events & AwardsSep 12, 2025
Al Gilbertson Wins 2025 Robert M. Shipley Award

Gilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.

Supreme Court stock image
Policies & IssuesSep 11, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case in November

A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.

Tabayer’s Nordstrom Shop-in-Shop
MajorsSep 11, 2025
Tabayer Opens Nordstrom Shop-In-Shop

Located in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.

De Beers education app on mobile phone
SourcingSep 11, 2025
Need to Sell More Natural Diamonds? De Beers Has an App for That

The new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.

Gold jewelry on a scale
MajorsSep 10, 2025
Stuller to Swap Gold Scrap for Full Credit to Account

As the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.

Jacob and Co Loewe headphones
SourcingSep 10, 2025
Tech Meets Style in the New Loewe x Jacob & Co. Headphones

Jacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.

Tiffany & Co Favrile Beetle Necklace in Frankenstein
TrendsSep 10, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Archival Jewels Bring Life to ‘Frankenstein’

Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.

24 Karat Club banquet
MajorsSep 10, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf Astoria

The Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.

Anglo American’s Quellaveco copper mine in Peru
SourcingSep 09, 2025
Anglo American to Merge With Canadian Copper Miner

Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.

Anastacia Lauren, Elle Jerge, Logan Nye
MajorsSep 09, 2025
MJSA Education Foundation Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners

The nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.

Korman jewelry store Austin
IndependentsSep 08, 2025
Take a Look Inside the New Korman Store in Austin

The Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.

Logos for Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America and Jewelers of America
MajorsSep 08, 2025
MJSA Is Officially Now Under JA’s Umbrella

The two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.

Sothebys JAR and Suzanne Belperron jewels
AuctionsSep 08, 2025
Sotheby’s To Auction ‘Exceptional’ Collection of JAR, Suzanne Belperron Jewels

The single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.

A street in Carlsbad California
Events & AwardsSep 08, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events

From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsSep 05, 2025
Peter Smith: A Lasting Lesson From Maurice Tempelsman

Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.

Jamie Turner Victoria Labradorite Necklace
CollectionsSep 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jamie Turner’s ‘Victoria’ Necklace

The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.

Stock image of the U.S. Supreme Court
Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court

Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.

Patrick Mahomes Hublot campaign
WatchesSep 05, 2025
Patrick Mahomes Is the New Hublot Brand Ambassador

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.

gia-edu main image.png
Supplier BulletinSep 04, 2025
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Sponsored by GIA

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy