Kim Kardashian just added a new object to her collection of high-priced celebrity memorabilia.
The reality star purchased a diamond and amethyst-encrusted Attallah cross pendant from Sotheby’s annual Royal & Noble auction on Wednesday, a piece of jewelry most famously worn by Princess Diana. The pendant features square-cut amethysts surrounded by circular-cut diamonds weighing 5.25-carats. Kardashian was able to secure this lot for $197,453, which Sotheby’s noted was “double its pre-auction estimate.”
The late royal wore the accessory multiple times throughout the ’80s, most notably pairing it with a dramatic purple Victorian velvet gown by Catherine Walker to attend a gala in 1987 in support of Birthright (which is now known as Wellbeing of Women, the only UK charity dedicated to funding research, education, and advocacy across all of women’s reproductive and gynecological health).
According to a press release from Sotheby’s, the pendant was originally designed as a one-off item by court jewelers Garrard in the 1920s. It was then later purchased by the late Naim Attallah CBE, the former group chief executive of Asprey & Garrard, who would often loan the one-of-a-kind piece to Princess Diana throughout the 1980s. The cross was only ever worn by Diana and, following her death, hasn’t been seen in public until now. Sotheby’s also noted that the late Princess of Wales had a close relationship with the jeweler and even selected her engagement ring from the designer in 1981.
Following the sale, Sotheby London’s head of jewelry Kristian Spofforth said in a statement, “This is a bold piece of jewelry by its size, color and style which cannot fail to make a vibrant statement, whether it be of faith or fashion — or indeed both. We are delighted that this piece has found a new lease of life within the hands of another globally famous name.” And according to an insider who spoke to People, Kardashian is reportedly honored to have this piece formerly worn by the late princess in her collection. They added that this will be the latest addition to her growing collection of pieces once worn or owned by women who have inspired her.
This is just one of many personal objects the reality star owns from some of the biggest pop culture icons in history. Kardashian also acquired Jackie Kennedy’s Cartier watch in 2017 for $379,500, Ripley’s Believe It or Not gifted her a lock of hair from Marilyn Monroe last year, and in 2019 she purchased Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” hat, jacket, and gloves as a Christmas gift for her daughter North, allowing her to wear them as a costume for Halloween last year.
A rep for Kardashian did not immediately return Vanity Fair‘s request for comment.