It’s been over a decade, but you still see the GIF everywhere. Kim Kardashian, face crumpled in tears, standing in the turquoise waters of Bora Bora. Then comes the legendary deadpan from Kourtney: "Kim, there’s people that are dying."
Honestly, it’s arguably the most famous moment in reality TV history. But while the meme is immortal, the actual details of how Kim Kardashian lost the diamond earring—and the fact that it wasn't actually lost for long—usually get buried under the jokes.
Most people think Kim was just being a "diva." In reality, there was a lot more going on behind the scenes that explain why she had a total meltdown over a piece of jewelry.
The $75,000 Splash: Why Kim Kardashian Lost the Diamond
The year was 2011. The Kardashian-Jenner clan was filming season six of Keeping Up with the Kardashians in French Polynesia. Kim was there with her then-boyfriend, NBA player Kris Humphries. Things were... tense.
Basically, Kris was being playful—or "rough," depending on who you ask—and decided to pick Kim up and toss her off the deck of their over-the-water bungalow.
When she hit the water, the impact was hard enough to dislodge a 3-carat diamond stud from her ear. These weren't just any earrings. They were a pair of $75,000 diamond studs she had bought for herself.
The Panic Was Real (And Financial)
Why the hysterics? You’d think a multi-millionaire wouldn't care about one earring.
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But Kim recently opened up on the Call Her Daddy podcast and revealed the truth. At the time, she wasn't a billionaire. Far from it. That $75,000 was a massive chunk of her net worth back then.
"That was one of my first biggest purchases," she explained. "They weren't insured yet."
She had literally bought them that week. If that diamond stayed at the bottom of the ocean, it was just $75,000 down the drain. No claim check. No replacement. Just a very expensive lesson in why you don't wear fine jewelry in the Pacific.
How Kylie Jenner Saved the Day
Here’s the part the memes always leave out. The earring didn't stay lost.
While Kim was crying on the deck and Kourtney was delivering her iconic "people are dying" line, a 13-year-old Kylie Jenner was actually being productive.
Kylie grabbed a pair of goggles and dove in.
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Bora Bora is famous for having water so clear it looks like a swimming pool. Kylie swam down about 10 feet to the sandy bottom. She spotted something "shining" in the sand, grabbed it, and surfaced.
She found it in two minutes.
But she didn't stop there. Kim realized the back of the earring was still missing. Most people would have called it a win and gone to lunch. Not Kylie. She dove back down a second time and actually found the tiny earring back in the sand.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Scene
There’s a huge misconception that Kim was just being shallow.
If you rewatch the footage, she wasn't just crying about the money. She was genuinely startled and hurt by the way Kris threw her in. It was a chaotic moment in a relationship that we all know ended just 72 days after their wedding.
Also, can we talk about Kourtney?
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Fans love her "people are dying" line, but it’s worth noting that the sisters were already bickering throughout that trip. Kourtney’s reaction wasn't just about global perspective; it was a classic sibling "I’m over your drama" moment.
A History of Losing Diamonds
Funny enough, lightning struck twice. Fast forward to 2024, and Kim Kardashian lost the diamond again—this time at the Ambani wedding in India.
She was wearing a massive "bib" necklace from Lorraine Schwartz, covered in pear-shaped diamonds. During the festivities, one of those huge stones just... fell off.
Khloé was the one who noticed it. They went through a similar panic, searching the floor and their own dresses, but that one didn't have a happy Kylie-to-the-rescue ending. That diamond was never found.
Actionable Lessons for Your Own Bling
If you aren't a Kardashian, losing a diamond usually means it’s gone for good. Whether you're at the beach or a wedding, here is how to avoid a Bora Bora meltdown of your own:
- Insurance is non-negotiable: As Kim learned the hard way, you should never wear a piece out of the store until it’s on a personal jewelry floater or covered by a company like Jewelers Mutual.
- Check your "Butterfly" backs: Standard friction backs (the ones that slide on) are the easiest to lose. If you have expensive studs, swap them for "La Pousette" (protector) backs or screw-backs.
- The "Ocean Rule": Cold water makes your fingers and earlobes shrink slightly. It is incredibly easy for rings and earrings to slip off without you feeling a thing. If you’re going in the water, leave the diamonds in the hotel safe.
- Professional Inspections: Have a jeweler check your prongs every six months. A loose stone is a lost stone.
The Bora Bora incident remains a "pivotal moment in pop culture," as many fans call it. It’s the perfect mix of high-stakes luxury and relatable sibling snark. Just remember: if you're going to lose $75,000 in the ocean, make sure you have a younger sister with goggles and really good eyesight nearby.