An iconic piece of royal history made its grand reappearance at the 13th Annual LACMA Art + Film Gala, as reality star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian stunned on the red carpet in Los Angeles, wearing the amethyst and diamond cross once cherished by Diana, Princess of Wales. This marked the first time the antique pendant, linked to Princess Diana’s style, was worn publicly since it was auctioned in January 2023.
The amethyst and diamond cross, designed in the 1920s by renowned jeweler Garrard, boasts square-cut amethysts framed by radiant white diamonds in an elegant fleurée pattern. Although the cross never belonged personally to Princess Diana, she famously wore it on multiple occasions after borrowing it from Garrard. The princess first donned the piece in 1987 for a charity fundraiser event at the jeweler’s London headquarters, pairing it with a striking Catherine Walker gown. Its connection to Diana was solidified as she wore it again for various private engagements, leaving an indelible mark on the history of royal jewelry.
In 2023, following the passing of its last private owner, Palestinian-born publisher Naim Attallah, the cross was auctioned by Sotheby’s and fetched an impressive £163,800 (nearly $200,000 USD). The buyer was none other than Kim Kardashian, who expressed her excitement and honor in owning such a unique piece of jewelry history. Kardashian debuted the piece publicly for the first time on November 2, 2024, at the LACMA Art + Film Gala, where she paired the cross with a custom Gucci ensemble, perfectly complementing the striking design with a curated mix of jewelry from Bulgari and Tallarico.
The rare jewel’s return to the spotlight is more than just a fashion statement; it represents the deep connection between royal history and modern celebrity style. As one of the most talked-about jewelry pieces linked to Princess Diana’s legacy, the amethyst cross continues to fascinate collectors and admirers of high jewelry, bridging past and present with its timeless elegance.
The amethyst and diamond cross, circa 1920, was crafted by the prestigious jeweler Garrard, famed for its ties to the British royal family. The piece is set with square-cut amethysts and sparkling white diamonds, forming a delicate and unique fleurée cross design. It was originally loaned to Princess Diana in 1987, and although she never purchased the piece, it remained one of her most memorable jewelry selections.
This event underscores the continued relevance of iconic royal jewelry in today’s fashion landscape. Pieces like Princess Diana’s amethyst cross remind us that the allure of antique jewelry is not only in its design but also in the powerful history it carries.
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