In her memoir "View from the East Wing: A Memoir," former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden recounts her experience with a 7.5-carat synthetic diamond gifted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his state visit to Washington in June 2023. Biden describes the diamond as "gorgeous" and initially considered purchasing it after learning PM Modi valued it at $2,500. However, the State Department later appraised the diamond at $20,000, far exceeding her budget. Due to US ethics rules, the diamond technically belonged to the federal government, not to her personally. Although she could not keep it, Biden was permitted to borrow the diamond and wore it at official events, having it set in a ring. Ultimately, she returned the diamond when her tenure ended, and it was placed in government storage, alongside many other gifts that may be destroyed. This anecdote highlights the strict regulations governing gifts received by the First Family and the cultural significance of lab-grown gems.