Who says you can’t put a pricetag on history?

On Saturday November 2, 2024, Kim Kardashian wore one of Princess Diana’s most iconic accessories to the 2024 LACMA Art + Film Gala in Los Angeles, turning heads with a piece of royal history draped around her neck. 

The necklace in question? A sparkling, cross-shaped pendant, known as the Attallah Cross. 

The cross is no ordinary piece of jewelry. Crafted by the British luxury brand, Garrard, the amethyst and diamond cross became a symbol of Diana’s fearless approach to style. 

Originally a loan from Niam Attallah, a businessman and writer, Diana wore the necklace in 1987, pairing the dramatic piece with a purple gown at a London charity gala. At the time, the necklace was considered to be a perfect reflection of Diana herself.

Fast-forward to today, and Kim Kardashian, a known vintage fashion enthusiast, acquired the necklace at the 2023 Sotheby’s auction for almost $200,000, thus marking her first purchase of vintage jewelry with ties to the British royal family. 

Kardashian isn’t new to sporting legendary looks— her appearance in Marilyn Monroe’s 1962 “Happy Birthday” dress to the Met Gala stirred up plenty of buzz, too. By adding the late Princesses’ necklace to her wardrobe, Kardashian continues her journey building her over 30,000 piece collection of pop culture’s most memorable fashion pieces. 

So, why are pieces from past decades, like Diana’s cross necklace, suddenly so covetable? Part of it is cultural nostalgia, a desire to revive elements of eras many of us never actually experienced, but view it through a rosy lens.