Kim Kardashian debuts Princess Diana pendant
Kim Kardashian, the billionaire and media mogul, made headlines recently when she finally wore the Princess Diana-owned pendant she purchased last year. The stunning amethyst and diamond cross, bought in January 2023 for a hefty sum of £163,800 (approximately $265,000 Cdn), made its debut at the prestigious LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles over the weekend.
Crafted by former crown jeweller Garrard in the 1920s, the pendant showcases a “fleurée” style known for its intricate flowery design. The square-cut purple amethysts form the arms of the cross, adorned with 5.25 carats of circular-cut diamonds. The overall dimensions of the piece measure approximately 136 x 95 mm.
Originally loaned to Princess Diana in the late ’80s, the pendant became a part of her iconic fashion choices during a period of newfound autonomy in her life. While Sotheby’s notes that Diana wore the pendant on multiple occasions, the only documented image of her wearing it comes from a charity gala in 1987 supporting human rights issues related to pregnancy and childbirth.
Following Diana’s tragic demise in 1997, the pendant was acquired by businessman Naim Attallah, whose family kept it unworn until Kardashian acquired it last year. The auction for the pendant exceeded all expectations, with Kardashian paying more than double the lower estimates from Sotheby’s.
This exquisite cross pendant joins Kardashian’s extensive collection of high-priced fashion items with historical significance, including pieces once owned by Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, and Janet Jackson. The value of her fashion collection, which includes items purchased for her children, can reach up to $400,000 US.
At the LACMA Art+Film Gala, Kardashian paired the pendant with an all-white Gucci ensemble, consisting of a bodysuit with a plunging neckline, a maxi skirt, and a long draping coat. She accessorized the look with a large pearl choker and a shortened pearl chain to highlight the pendant.
However, Kardashian’s styling choice and decision to wear a religious symbol as a fashion statement have sparked backlash online. Critics have expressed concerns about respecting the historical significance of the pendant and the potential damage that wearing it could cause.
Despite the controversy, Sotheby’s head of jewelry, Kristian Spofforth, praised Kardashian for giving the Attallah Cross a new lease on life. He described the piece as bold and vibrant, making a statement of faith and fashion in the hands of another globally famous individual.
As with her previous fashion choices, Kardashian’s decision to wear the Princess Diana-owned pendant has once again ignited a conversation about the intersection of luxury, history, and personal style in the world of high fashion.
