It seems like news made to warm the hearts of those who follow social media: the Atallah Cross, worn by Princess Diana, was sold for $197,453 to Kim Kardashian. The American celebrity, through a representative of hers, outbid four other buyers during Sotheby’s Royal and Noble sale. The jewel’s price represents more than double its pre-auction estimate. The cross, as we have already told here, was owned by the former CEO of the Asprey & Garrard group, Naim Attallah.
The Atallah cross features floral details and was created in the 1920s by the court jewelers Garrard. The cross was purchased in the 1980s by Naim Atallah and thanks to his friendship with Princess Diana, he was able to lend it to her several times over the course of several years. Princess Diana wore the jewel several times, as evidenced by the October 1987 photo, on the occasion of a charity gala in support of Birthright, a charity that works to protect human rights during pregnancy and childbirth. After her death the jewel was never seen in public again.
The cross pendant is a bold and colorful piece featuring square cut amethysts and accented with round cut diamonds. The cross has a total diamond weight of approximately 5.25 carats and measures approximately 136mm x 95mm. Princess Diana had a long-standing relationship with Garrard, having chosen her engagement ring from them in 1981.
