Kidman necklace 'too precious' for sale

McGregor, Kidman and Lurhmann pose for cameras in Cannes

A necklace worn by Nicole Kidman in the hit musical film Moulin Rouge has been removed from an auction because its designer could not bear to part with it.

The 1,308-diamond design necklace had been put up for sale at Christie's in New York by Australian jeweller Stafano Cantur.

But at the last minute Mr Cantur realised he could part with the one-off design.

The necklace had been expected to fetch more than £660,000.

Kidman and McGregor play doomed lovers

If the sale had taken place and reached the expected price, the necklace would have become the most expensive piece of film jewellery ever sold.

Hours before the auction was due to start Mr Cantur told bosses at the auction house that he loved the necklace far too much to sell it.

"He realised that he didn't want to part with it," a Christie's spokeswoman told the New York Post.

"He loves the piece so much that he has decided to keep it as part of his personal collection."

Celebrity clients

The necklace has been named Satine after the character Kidman played in Moulin Rouge.

In the film, Satine is the most prized courtesan of the infamous Paris night club, who captures the heart of Christian, the poor but talented writer played by British actor Ewan McGregor.

Kidman is seen wearing the necklace in a series of scenes in the film set in 19th-Century Paris.

Since making the necklace, Mr Cantur has gain new celebrity clients including Celine Dion and Elle Macpherson.