First Lady Jill Biden was the recipient of the most extravagant gift given to the Biden family in 2023 — a dazzling 7.5-carat diamond valued at $20,000, presented by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The diamond stands as the most expensive item gifted to a member of the First Family last year, according to a newly released annual report from the US State Department.
The diamond, retained for official use in the White House East Wing, was among a series of high-value gifts given to President Joe Biden and his family by foreign leaders. In addition to the diamond, Jill Biden received a brooch worth $14,063 from Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States and a bracelet, brooch, and photograph album valued at $4,510 from Egypt’s president and first lady. These items have been transferred to the National Archives, as per standard protocol for high-value gifts.
The First Lady’s office has not commented on the diamond’s use or significance.
Expensive gifts to the president
President Biden also received numerous luxurious gifts, including a $7,100 commemorative photo album from South Korea’s recently impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, a $3,495 statue of Mongolian warriors from Mongolia’s prime minister, and a $3,300 silver bowl from Brunei’s sultan. Other notable items included a $3,160 sterling silver tray from Israel’s president and a $2,400 collage from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Regulations governing gifts
Under US federal law, executive branch officials are required to declare gifts from foreign counterparts exceeding $480 in value. Most of these gifts, especially high-value ones, are either transferred to the National Archives, retained for official display, or destroyed, depending on their nature. Recipients also have the option to purchase such gifts from the government at market value, though this is uncommon, especially for expensive items.
CIA employees and lavish gifts
The report revealed that several CIA employees also received expensive gifts, many of which were destroyed as mandated by protocol. Collectively, these items, including watches, jewellery, and perfumes, were valued at more than $132,000.
CIA Director William Burns was gifted an $18,000 astrograph, combining telescope and astrological camera functions, which is being transferred to the General Services Administration. However, Burns destroyed an $11,000 Omega watch he also received.
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Unnamed CIA employees logged additional items, including:
- A $65,100 diamond necklace, earrings, bracelet, and ring set.
- A $30,000 women’s jewellery set from Libyan jeweller Al Grew.
- Men’s luxury watches such as a $18,700 Rolex Yacht Master II, a $12,500 ladies’ Rolex Datejust, and a $7,450 Rolex Air King, all of which were destroyed.
- Amouage perfumes valued at $10,670, with destruction pending.
State department’s transparency
The State Department’s Office of Protocol compiles and releases these records annually. The gifts received by the President, First Family, and other officials reflect both diplomatic gestures and the complexities of managing such high-value items under US law.
Controversy and symbolism
While the diamond from Modi captures headlines for its monetary value, it also underscores the symbolic significance of gifts in diplomacy. The First Lady’s reception of the diamond could be interpreted as a gesture of goodwill between the US and India, although critics may view such extravagant gifts as raising ethical questions regarding their acceptance and use.
Broader implications
The annual report provides insight into the ceremonial nature of international diplomacy, where high-value gifts often serve as symbols of respect, friendship, and collaboration. However, the strict regulations around their handling highlight the US government’s commitment to transparency and integrity in public service.
As the year’s most expensive diplomatic gift, Jill Biden’s $20,000 diamond from Prime Minister Modi serves as a shining example of the intersection of global diplomacy and cultural exchange.
