AuctionsJan 18, 2023
Jewelry Owned by André Leon Talley Up for AuctionAuctionsJan 19, 2023
Kim Kardashian Bought Princess Diana’s Amethyst Cross
The businesswoman and reality TV star paid nearly $200,000 for the “Attallah Cross.”
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.”
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.
More on Auctions
The Latest
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
