Editor’s Note
The recent auction of a necklace once worn by Princess Diana to Kim Kardashian has sparked public debate, echoing past controversies over the preservation of iconic items. This acquisition highlights ongoing tensions between private ownership and public sentiment regarding cultural heritage.
The memory of the alleged damage to Marilyn Monroe’s dress is still fresh.
On January 18 (local time), US celebrity Kim Kardashian won the bid at auction for the famous necklace once worn by the late Princess Diana. The news that the necklace of the still immensely popular Princess Diana was acquired by Kardashian has drawn expressions of grief from some online.
This cross necklace, featuring a large square amethyst set with a total of 5.25 carats of diamonds, was part of the annual ‘Royal & Noble’ auction held by Sotheby’s from January 6 to 18. It is reported that Kardashian’s representative secured the winning bid at $197,453 (approximately 25.35 million yen) in the final five minutes of the auction, nearly double its pre-sale estimate.
Known as the ‘Attallah Cross’ because it was owned by the late Naim Attallah, former CEO of the royal warrant-holding luxury brand Asprey & Garrard, this masterpiece was originally crafted in 1920 by Garrard, another royal jeweler that later merged with Asprey.
The necklace was frequently loaned to Princess Diana, most famously worn with a Catherine Walker velvet dress at a charity event in London in 1987. After Princess Diana’s passing and its acquisition by Sotheby’s, it is said not to have been seen in public since.
Kim has previously acquired several notable pieces at auctions. In May 2022, she borrowed the famous dress worn by the late Marilyn Monroe when she sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to former President John F. Kennedy for the Met Gala, drawing criticism from the dress’s designer. This was followed by controversy where experts alleged the dress was damaged after Kim wore it, though the lending museum and Kim herself denied the claims.
Upon hearing the latest news, and with the previous incident still fresh in memory, prominent reactions online included lament and criticism:
