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First Lady Jill Biden received numerous valuable gifts throughout 2023, with the standout being a stunning diamond valued at $20,000 presented by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his inaugural state visit to the United States.
The prestigious gift-giving occurred when Modi was welcomed by President Joe Biden and the First Lady, with the Prime Minister also presenting a custom-made sandalwood box to the President as an official gesture.
$20,000 diamond from Indian PM Modi tops Jill Biden's priciest 2023 gifts
Indian leader gifted FLOTUS a 7.5-carat diamond, making it the most expensive present from a foreign leader last year
Diamonds are a girl's best friend and Modi clearly got the memo! pic.twitter.com/KWcVtG3Aa5
— RT (@RT_com) January 3, 2025
According to a State Department report released Thursday, as reported by AP, the First Lady’s collection of diplomatic presents was particularly impressive. The 7.5-carat diamond from Modi topped the list of gifts received by the first family. Other notable presents included a brooch worth $14,063 from Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S., and a combination gift of a bracelet, brooch, and photo album valued at $4,510 from Egypt’s presidential couple.
President Biden also received his share of diplomatic generosity. Among his gifts were a commemorative photo album from South Korea’s President Suk Yeol Yoon valued at $7,100, a $3,495 statue depicting Mongolian warriors from Mongolia’s prime minister, a silver bowl worth $3,300 from Brunei’s sultan, a sterling silver tray valued at $3,160 from Israel’s president, and a $2,400 collage from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Jill Biden received a $20,000 diamond as a gift from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Could you imagine the meltdown that would ensue if this was Malania Trump? https://t.co/L1dW2mJq5U
— The Constitutional Conservative (@TheCCShowcast) January 3, 2025
Under federal regulations, executive branch officials must report any gifts from foreign dignitaries that exceed $480 in value.
Currently, the prestigious diamond remains in the White House East Wing for official purposes, while the other presidential gifts have been transferred to the archives. According to Vanessa Valdivia, a spokesperson for the First Lady, the diamond will join the other gifts in the archives once the Bidens conclude their time in office, though its current use remains undisclosed.
