TV celebrity and businesswoman Kim Kardashian has been reported to be the buyer of the Attalah Cross at Sotheby's annual Royal and Noble sale in London yesterday, where it sold for £163,800.
The fleuree cross with square set amethyst stones and circular diamonds had originally been made by Garrard's, The Queen's jewellers, in the 1980's and purchased by the Palestinian-British businessman Naim Attallah.
The cross, which had an estimate of £80,000 - £120,000 was sold with a letter of authenicity from Garrard's
Attalah, described by The Guardian newspaper as a 'legendary adorer of beautiful women', was a friend of Princess Diana and, as Chief Executive of Asprey & Garrard's arranged for the cross to be lent to Princess Diana to wear at various charitable functions.
Diana's personal jewellery collection was inherited by William and Harry on her death, so the Attalah Cross is a rare opportunity to own a piece of jewellery that Diana has actually worn.
Garrard was also the company that made Diana's famous sapphire and diamond engagement ring.
Kardashian has established herself as somewhat of a conoisseur collector of high value historic jewellery items with famous past owners, having previously paid £65,000 in 2011 for three gold bangles that had once belonged to actress Elizabeth Taylor, whose last ever interview was with Kardashian.
In the 2011 interview in Harper's Bazaar Taylor and Kardashian actually discussed their jewellery with Kim asking Liz the question:
You are my idol. But I'm six husbands and some big jewels behind. What should I do?"
Kardashian was also revealed to be the purchaser of Jackie Kennedy Onassis's Cartier Tank watch for $379,500 at Christie's, New York in 2017.
Clearly a Lady who is spending her money well, and wisely!
About your Author:
Adrian Roose has over 30 years’ experience covering all aspects of the rare stamp & memorabilia industry during which he has sold over £50m of unique items, helping build collections for Royalty, household name celebrities and 1,000s of collectors around the world.
Adrian was previously a Director at Stanley Gibbons, a Board Member of Stampex, and Executive Director of Paul Fraser Collectibles, PFC Auctions and JustCollecting, prior to founding The Memorabilia Club.