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Kim Kardashian is no stranger to showing plenty of skin and getting people talking with a lot of the outfits she wears. So at a recent gala in Los Angeles, the reality star did just that when she arrived in a floor-length, ivory gown that left little to the imagination. The SKIMS co-founder accessorized her look with a pearl chocker and necklace along with a striking crucifix pendant previously worn by the late Princess Diana.

In 2023, Kim purchased the Attallah cross pendant at Sotheby’s annual Royal & Noble auction for around $212,000. The bold piece showcases square-cut amethysts, framed by 5.25 carats of circular-cut diamonds. But did Kim pay way too much for the bold jewelry?

Here’s how much experts have deemed the diamond-encrusted cross to actually be worth.

(L) Kim Kardashian wearing amethyst cross pendant, (R) Princess Diana wearing amethyst cross pendant
(L): Kim Kardashian at event wearing amethyst cross pendant | Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images, (R): Princess Diana at event wearing amethyst cross pendant | Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

The pendant hadn’t been seen for decades after Princess Diana’s death

Royal fans may recall photos of the pendant when Princess Diana wore it to Birthright’s 1987 London charity gala. However, following her tragic death in 1997, the pendant hadn’t been seen for years.

Jewelry expert Maxwell Stone of the U.K. retailer Steven Stone gave a little background on the iconic piece.

“Very few people could carry an unusual piece like this off, but Princess Diana certainly could,” he said. “The elaborate gold, silver, amethyst, and diamond pendant is in the shape of a cross and is believed to have been created in the early 20th century by Garrard. Not only is this pendant iconic for having been worn by the [late] Princess of Wales, but it also carries sentimental value as it once belonged to Naim Attallah–Diana’s friend and the former manager of Asprey … Until last year’s auction, the piece had remained unseen since Diana’s tragic passing.

“While amethyst has traditionally symbolized royal privilege, Diana’s decision to wear the pendant on an unusually long chain highlighted her talent for presenting her collection of royal jewels in a distinctive manner. She was unafraid to challenge tradition and reinvent lavish pieces to reflect her own style.”

How much Kim Kardashian paid for the pendant compared to how much it’s worth

Kim Kardashian at the LACMA Art+Film Gala at Los Angeles County Museum of Art in Los Angeles
Kim Kardashian at the LACMA Art+Film Gala at Los Angeles County Museum of Art in Los Angeles | Alberto E. Rodriguez/WireImage
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Kim donned the vintage piece at the LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles on Nov. 2.

Stone gave his thoughts on The Kardashians star purchasing the pendant pointing out: “It’s no surprise that Kim Kardashian is the new owner of this iconic piece. The global icon has long celebrated her passion for historic fashion, famously donning Marilyn Monroe’s legendary ‘Happy Birthday’ dress at the 2022 Met Gala. In a striking contrast to Princess Diana’s timeless elegance, Kim chose to showcase it on a short chain during its debut in Los Angeles.”

So when Kim forked over more than $200,000 did she overpay for the cross pendant? According to Stone no, it was a steal for her.

He said: “Whilst it’s tricky to put a price on such a remarkable piece, I’d estimate the pendant to be worth £300,000 ($388,598) which is nearly double what Kim Kardashian has bought it for.”

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