In the late 80s, the Princess of Wales had grown in confidence and she started to become bolder and more playful in her style choices, perhaps never more so than with her outfit choice to attend the Birthright gala in 1987. She attended wearing an Elizabethan-style Catherine Walker & Co dress paired with an exquisite 20th century amethyst and diamond cross, lent personally to her by Garrad; famously known as the first official Crown jeweller and the makers of Diana’s iconic sapphire engagement ring.
The Fleurée cross pendant alone is a standout piece in its own right, set with square-cut amethysts and accented by 5.25 carats of circular-cut diamonds. Dating back to the 1920s, the cross was part of the late Naim Attallah’s collection. Attallah was group chief executive of Asprey & Garrard, which was later renamed Garrard & Co, and served as the Royal Family’s Crown Jewellers until 1007.
Under New Ownership
The Attallah cross was offered to auction at Sotheby’s London in January, where four bidders went head-to-head for the iconic piece. Winner in under five minutes? Reality star and business mogul Kim Kardashian.
Outbidding three others, Kim Kardashian purchased the pendant for £163,800 – more than double the pendant’s pre-auction value. Supposedly unworn since the late princess, Sotheby’s is delighted that the bold piece has ‘found a new lease of life within the hands of another globally famous name’.
Kim Kardashian’s love of Cross Pendant’s (and ours!)
Kim Kardashian isn’t afraid to show her love of cross pendants. The business mogul has worn a variety of different cross pendants over the years so let’s take a look.
Amethyst Pendants
If you’re falling in love with the iconic Kim Kardashian amethyst cross look no further, we have just the piece for you. You can see how similar our 1880s 6 carat amethyst, pearl and 18ct yellow gold cross pendant is to the famous diamond lined Attallah cross pendant. The impressive gold cross pendant is embellished with twelve impressive square faceted cut amethysts, totalling 6cts; these yellow gold set amethysts comprise the cross bars. This piece is an impressive example of Victorian jewellery and bares a remarkable similarity to Princess Diana’s own.
If you love the colour of the amethysts but want something a little different why not try this balanced cross pendant. A variation of the Greek cross, the balanced cross is also known as an equal-armed cross, a square cross or a peaceful cross. Whilst dissimilar to the Attallah, this cross also dates back to the 1800s and is a stunning antique pendant.
Diamond Layers
Kim has adorned layered cross pendants a few times on the red carpet. Once on the red carpet in 1016 and again as she attended the Met Gala in 2018. An elegant but dramatic look, Kardashian wears two diamond cross pendants, layered for more of a statement style effect. To achieve this look, check out this stunning antique diamond cross pendant that fits perfectly alongside this larger, 2.07 carat diamond cross.
Darker Pieces
Dolce and Gabbana gifted the celebrity a diamond cross necklace and matching earring ahead of walking their Milan Fashion Week runway show. The celebrity expressed her gratitude explaining her first ever large purchase was a diamond cross necklace, and it meant more to her than just a gift.
The collaboration between designer and celebrity produced several cross necklaces and pendants of darker toned gems and rhinestones, to suit Kim’s personal style. To get this look, we would recommend a substantial black onyx Victorian cross necklace, set with impressive Dutch cut diamonds.
If you are influenced by celebrity fashion as many are, then cross pendants may will be your next accessory of choice. Favoured by Kim Kardashian and the late Princess Diana, two of the most fashionable women of the last few decades, cross pendants are quickly becoming a true statement jewellery staple.
