The iconic diamond cross necklace that once graced Princess Diana’s neck has found a new home with Kim Kardashian, marking a fascinating intersection of royal heritage and modern celebrity culture. This exquisite piece, known as the Attallah Cross, features stunning amethysts surrounded by brilliant diamonds, representing not just immense monetary value but a bridge between two influential women who have shaped popular culture in their own distinct eras.
The Historical Significance and Provenance of the Attallah Cross
The story of this remarkable diamond cross necklace begins in the early 1900s, when the prestigious jeweler Garrard crafted this masterpiece. The journey of this exceptional piece weaves through decades of British high society, eventually catching the eye of Palestinian-British businessman Naim Attallah CBE in the 1980s. The cross pendant’s significance grew exponentially when it became associated with Princess Diana, who wore it with distinctive grace and style.
The Creation and Early History
The craftsmanship behind the Attallah Cross represents the pinnacle of early 20th-century jewelry making. Garrard, the crown jeweler since 1843, invested tremendous skill and artistry into creating this piece, setting 5.25 carats of diamonds around stunning amethyst stones in a distinctive cross pattern. The piece was designed to be both a statement of faith and a bold fashion statement, reflecting the dual nature of religious symbols in aristocratic jewelry of the period.
The early history of the necklace remained relatively quiet until it caught the attention of Naim Attallah, whose appreciation for fine jewelry and connection to British high society would eventually lead to its most famous moment.
Princess Diana’s Connection and Influence
When Princess Diana wore the diamond cross necklace in 1987, she transformed it from a beautiful piece of jewelry into a historic artifact. Her choice to pair it with a Catherine Walker purple dress at a charity gala demonstrated her innate understanding of symbolic dressing. The necklace’s appearance at this event wasn’t just a fashion choice – it was a statement about the modernization of royal style and Diana’s unique ability to blend traditional elements with contemporary fashion.
The Princess wore the piece multiple times throughout her association with Attallah, each time creating memorable moments that would later contribute to the necklace’s mystique and value. Her wearing of the piece helped establish it as more than just a valuable jewel – it became a symbol of her distinctive style and the bridge she built between monarchy and modernity.
The Auction Journey and Valuation
The path to Kim Kardashian’s ownership began at Sotheby’s auction house, where the piece was estimated to sell for between £80,000 and £120,000. The final sale price of £163,800 (approximately $197,453) reflected both its intrinsic value and its historical significance. The competitive bidding process demonstrated the enduring appeal of pieces associated with Princess Diana and the growing market for royal memorabilia.
Kim Kardashian’s Growing Collection of Historical Fashion Pieces
The acquisition of the diamond cross necklace represents just one facet of Kim Kardashian’s strategic approach to collecting historical fashion pieces. Her curation of significant cultural artifacts has transformed her from a reality TV star into a serious collector of fashion history.
The Strategic Collector
Kardashian’s approach to collecting goes beyond simple acquisition. Each piece she purchases tells a story and serves a purpose in building her legacy. From Michael Jackson’s velvet jacket (purchased for her daughter North) to Jackie Kennedy’s watch, her collections demonstrate an understanding of fashion as both art and investment.
The careful selection of pieces shows a sophisticated understanding of fashion history and its importance in contemporary culture. Her willingness to pay above market value for significant pieces indicates both her commitment to building a meaningful collection and her understanding of the cultural capital such pieces represent.
Public Debuts and Cultural Impact
The debut of the diamond cross necklace at the LACMA Art + Film Gala in 2024 showcased Kardashian’s ability to recontextualize historical pieces for contemporary audiences. Her styling choices – pairing the necklace with a modern Gucci design – demonstrated how vintage pieces can be made relevant for current fashion moments.
The public response to her wearing of historical pieces has been mixed, creating conversations about preservation, accessibility, and the responsibility of private collectors to cultural heritage. These discussions have helped position Kardashian as more than just a collector – she’s become a curator of fashion history.
The Business of Vintage Fashion
Kardashian’s involvement in the vintage fashion market has influenced both prices and accessibility. Her high-profile purchases have drawn attention to the investment potential of historical fashion pieces and helped establish new benchmarks for theirvalue. As demand surges for items once worn by iconic figures, Kim’s purchases have further inflated the prices of similar pieces, making it clear that vintage fashion is not just a niche interest but a viable business sector.
Conclusion
The evolution of the Princess Diana Diamond Cross Necklace from royal legacy to modern fashion statement encapsulates the intertwining narratives of history and contemporary culture. Through its journey—from being designed by Garrard in the early 20th century to being worn by Princess Diana and now Kim Kardashian—it showcases how powerful symbols can transcend eras and influence modern style. As collectors like Kardashian continue to seek out significant pieces, the dialogue around historical fashion will undoubtedly persist, reflecting both cultural nostalgia and the evolving landscape of celebrity in today’s society. This necklace serves as a reminder of the significance of heritage, identity, and the ongoing dialogue between past and present.
