Editor’s Note
This article has been updated to clarify the identity of the celebrity and provide additional context about the event and the provenance of the jewel.
At a gala in Los Angeles on Saturday, the star made a memorable impression by wearing for the first time a large amethyst and diamond cross, which she purchased at auction a few months ago at Sotheby’s. This jewel was previously worn by Lady Di.
She is reportedly only the second person in the world to have worn it. In Los Angeles this Saturday, Kim Kardashian walked the red carpet at the 2024 LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) gala in a white Gucci dress with a very plunging neckline, accompanied by a massive crucifix of purple gemstones that drew all eyes.
Before her, this “Attallah crucifix,” made of amethysts and diamonds, was seen
As Sotheby’s, which organized the auction in January 2023, recalls, this piece of jewelry was designed in the 1920s by Garrard, the official jeweler to the British Crown until 2007.
This massive cross was loaned to Diana several times, notably for a charity gala in 1987. The jewel, reputed to be one of the princess’s favorites, caused a sensation at the time on a purple velvet Tudor-style dress by Catherine Walker, at the end of a long strand of immaculate pearls. This choice by the princess, seen as pioneering before the craze for crosses in the 90s, was widely talked about.
Garrard is also responsible for Diana’s majestic sapphire and diamond engagement ring, now worn by Kate Middleton.
After the princess’s death, the crucifix was repurchased by the Attallah family, with whom she had friendly ties. During this period, it was neither worn nor presented to the public again, until its repurchase by Kim Kardashian at the “Royal and Noble” sale organized by Sotheby’s.
On Saturday evening, the starlet chose to wear it in a shorter version than Diana’s, also with pearls, accompanied by a choker that was reminiscent of crown jewels.
