Reality television star Kim Kardashian is the new owner of the Attallah Cross. She outbid four other bidders at the recent “Royal & Noble” sale conducted by auction house Sotheby’s on 9 January 2022. The pre-auction estimate for the amethyst cross was between £80,000–£120,000, but the mogul paid a staggering £163,800 for it.
In a press release by Sotheby’s, Kristian Sprofforth, head of jewellery said: “This is a bold piece of jewellery by its size, colour and style which cannot fail to make a vibrant statement, whether it be of faith or fashion — or indeed both.”
Sprofforth further added that the auction house is “delighted that this piece has found a new lease of life within the hands of another globally famous name.”
The Attallah Cross was ever publicly worn by the late Princess Diana in 1987 to a charity gala in support of Birthright — an organisation that works to protect human rights during pregnancy and childbirth.
It is said that the Attallah Cross was crafted in the 1920s by court jeweller Gerrard. Some of its most famous works include the Cullinan I diamond that is found atop the Sovereign’s Sceptre that is used at every coronation since Charles II in 1661 and will be seen again in the upcoming coronation of Charles III this coming May 2023. Additionally, the storied jeweller also crafted Princess Diana’s sapphire and diamond engagement ring, which is perhaps the most famous royal engagement ring in recent times.
The pendant features 11 square-cut amethyst stones set in the shape of a cross and surrounding it are circular-cut diamonds arranged in a floral pattern. It measures approximately 5.4 inches by 3.7 inches and the total diamond weight amounts to about 5.25 carats.
Its namesake, Naim Attallah, bought the jewel-encrusted cross in the 1980s. The late businessman, who was a good friend of Princess Diana, frequently loaned the pendant to her for private events and other engagements. But soon, this iconic piece of jewellery will once again be in the spotlight at events and red carpets after being bought over by Kim Kardashian.
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