Jill Biden Reveals Interest in Keeping PM Modi's $20,000 Diamond Gift
'The diamond was gorgeous': Jill Biden wanted to keep PM Modi's $20,000 gift but couldn't afford it
Image: The Times Of India
In her memoir, Jill Biden shares her desire to keep a 7.5-carat diamond gifted by Indian PM Narendra Modi during his 2023 visit. However, she returned it to the federal government after its value was appraised at $20,000, significantly higher than the initial $2,500.
- 01Jill Biden received a 7.5-carat synthetic diamond from PM Narendra Modi during his June 2023 visit.
- 02The diamond was initially valued at $2,500 but was appraised by the State Department at $20,000.
- 03US ethics rules dictate that gifts to the First Lady belong to the federal government.
- 04Biden was allowed to wear the diamond for official events but had to return it after leaving office.
- 05The diamond, along with other presidential gifts, was returned to government storage after her tenure.
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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.
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