Kim Kardashian Purchases Princess Diana’s Famous Cross Pendant

Topline

Kim Kardashian purchased Princess Diana’s Attallah Cross pendant for nearly $200,000, auction house Sotheby’s announced Wednesday, adding to a growing collection of historic pieces owned by the star.

Diana, Princess Of Wales, Arriving At A Charity Gala Evening On Behalf Of Birthright At Garrard.

Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

Key Facts

The piece of jewelry, made of amethysts and diamonds, was last worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1987.

A representative for Kardashian beat out three other bidders, for “more than double its pre-auction estimate,” Sotheby’s said.

The pendant was created in 1920 and weighs over 5 karats.

Crucial Quote

“We are delighted that this piece has found a new lease of life within the hands of another globally famous name,” said Kristian Spofforth, the head of jewelry at Sotheby’s London.

Forbes Valuation

$1.8 billion. That’s how much Kardashian is estimated to be worth, according to Forbes.

Key Background

Kardashian reportedly purchased Jackie Kenndy Onassis’ watch in 2017 for over $379,000. She wore the watch when she met with former President Donald Trump at the White House in 2018, telling Vogue it “gave me some power.” In May, Kardashian wore a dress to the Met Gala which was designed for Marilyn Monroe and worn in 1962 when the movie star sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy. She borrowed the dress from Ripley’s, and only wore it on the red carpet—she changed into an exact replica for the party. That didn’t stop critics from claiming she damaged the garment, though Ripley’s and Kardashian denied this. Later that night, she changed into another borrowed dress worn by Monroe, this time a Norman Norell dress also from 1962. Kardashian was gifted a lock of Monroe’s hair by Ripley’s—though there are doubts about its authenticity.

Tangent

In 2016, Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint in Paris. The thieves took her 20-carat Lorraine Schwartz engagement ring which was given to her from her former husband Kanye West. After the incident, Kardashian said she no longer wears or keeps expensive jewelry around. “If I’m wearing something, it’s borrowed. It’s fake,” she said in 2021. “No expensive items ever come to my home. I have it all taken from security before I even enter my home. I can’t sleep if I have jewelry in my safe, or money, or anything at my house.”