Kim Kardashian, a billionaire, Skims founder, and mother of four, is a connoisseur of fine things. With a staggering net worth of $1.7 billion, she gets what she wants, price tags notwithstanding. Kardashian’s penchant for luxury is evident in her extravagant purchases, such as a Swarovski-encrusted fridge, gold-plated toilets, and a $407,000 customized Rolls-Royce Phantom. Beyond extravagant shopping, the reality TV star and former wife of musician Kanye West is also known for her love of auctions and collectibles.
Notably, she was in a bidding war with Jeff Bezos’s fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, for a six-figure Balenciaga gown. Among her acquisitions are two iconic items of Michael Jackson, including Nike Air Jordan 1s created for him, sold for $560,000. However, it’s her remarkable jewelry collection that truly stands out, showcasing her taste for classics owned by historic women like Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, and Jackie Kennedy, and not minding the extra expense for these treasures.
Having sworn off jewelry after a robbery in Paris, her current collection marks a significant change. Let’s delve into the pieces she acquired at eye-watering prices:
Princess Diana’s Attallah Cross:
This amethyst cross, once belonging to Princess Diana, is a highlight of Kardashian’s auction purchases. Worn by the royal at a 1987 London charity gala, it features a large amethyst centerpiece with circular-cut diamonds.
Estimated at $90,000 to $130,000, Kardashian didn’t hesitate to spend $197,453 on this historic and fashionable item. Four collectors competed for the amethyst and diamond pendant during the last five minutes of the online auction. Created by the jewelry company Garrard in 1920, this enormous cross pendant is a symbol of iconic history and style boasting a diamond weight of approximately 5.25 carats and measures approximately 136 x 95mm.
Jackie Kennedy’s Cartier Watch:
Some items are priceless; a sentiment Kardashian may have had in mind when she bid $379,500 for Jackie Kennedy’s Cartier watch in June 2017. The billionaire effortlessly spent more than triple the estimated price of $60,000 to $120,000. With her bid, Kardashian outdid 12 other contenders for the First Lady’s Cartier Tank watch, a piece of timeless elegance and historical significance.
The fashionista boasted an enviable collection of hundreds of jewels and several watches, but it was this classic gold Cartier Tank watch that stood out as her signature accessory. Kim Kardashian wore Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s watch during her visit to the White House to meet President Donald Trump.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Jewels:
A huge fan of Elizabeth Taylor, Kardashian shelled out $65,000 at a Christie’s auction in 2011 for pieces of Taylor’s jewelry. Surprisingly, she paid $64,900 for three Lorraine Schwartz jade and diamond bracelets, estimated at $8,000, a testament to her willingness to pay ten times their estimated value. It is no secret that the legendary British-American actress wore white, black, and lavender bangles nearly every day, particularly in the latter part of her life. “She loved those bangles for a long time,” Schwartz said. “She bought them because they’re Elizabeth’s.”
According to Forbes, Kardashian shared, “If you have a piece of jade, the energy goes into the piece and you absorb the energy,” Kardashian said. “So I can feel Elizabeth in the piece.” She added, “Elizabeth Taylor is iconic. She is my idol and my icon.”
