Attallah Cross: Garrard's unique 1920s pendant, which Princess Diana wore on several occasions, will be offered in Sotheby's Royal Noble Auction in London this September.
From January 6 to January 18, 2023, a Garrard Attallah Cross Pendant once worn by Princess Diana (Diana, Princess of Wales) will be displayed at Sotheby's "Royal & Noble" online auction, with an estimate of £ 80,000-120,000 (approximately $96,000-145,000).
This Attallah gold pendant was designed and produced by Garrard , the royal jeweler of the British royal family in the 1920s. It takes the "cross" as the design theme, measures about 13.6x9.5cm, and is inlaid with 11 step-cut amethysts. The top of the cross uses round diamonds with a total weight of 5.25ct to outline a flower-shaped decorative totem, with a gorgeous and delicate style.
In the 1980s, Naim Attallah, the former CEO of British jeweler Asprey & Garrard, purchased this cross pendant from Garrard. It is reported that Princess Diana, as a friend of Naim Attallah, borrowed this pendant from him many times to wear at social gatherings .
On October 27, 1987, Princess Diana publicly wore this Attallah cross pendant to attend the "Birthright gala" charity gala. Princess Diana specially matched a long pearl necklace for the pendant. The cross pendant is said to have only been worn by Princess Diana and was never seen in public after her death.
Kristian Spofforth, head of jewelry at Sotheby's in London, said it was rare for pieces of jewelry owned or worn by Princess Diana to come to auction, especially something as colourful, bold and unique as the Attallah cross pendant.
Diana, Princess of Wales arrives at a charity gala representing Garrard's birthright. The princess wears a purple evening gown, and a gold and amethyst cross hangs from a pearl cord.
The Attallah Cross in fleurée style - with ornate design details - is a pendant created by court jeweler Garrard in the 1920s. Princess Diana had a soft spot for Garrard. She is most famous for wearing a crucifix with a Catherine Walker dress in September 1987. The event was a charity evening in support of Birthright - a charity dedicated to protecting human rights during pregnancy and childbirth.
Naim Attallah CBE purchased the cross from Garrard in the 1980's. Through his friendship with Princess Diana, he was able to loan it to her many times over the years to wear it at events. However, the princess appears to have only ever worn a cross. After her death, it was never seen in public again.
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She was a leader in fashion in the 1980s and 1990s.