Former US First Lady Jill Biden revealed in her memoir that she returned a 7.5-carat synthetic diamond gifted to her by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his state visit to Washington. Despite being captivated by the diamond, Biden learned that US officials valued it much higher than its stated price, leading her to return it to the federal government. The gift, a symbol of India’s advancements in lab-grown gems, was subject to strict ethics rules governing gifts received by the First Family.
Biden considered purchasing the diamond after PM Modi claimed it was handmade in his hometown for $2,500. However, the State Department’s appraisal valued the diamond at $20,000, dissuading her from buying it. Instead, she was allowed to borrow the diamond for official events and had it set in a ring for such occasions. Upon leaving office, Biden returned the diamond, which was then stored along with numerous other presidential gifts.
In her memoir, Biden highlighted the complex regulations surrounding gifts and official residences in the White House, emphasizing the importance of adhering to financial and ethical standards. She contrasted the diamond incident with a bracelet gifted by French First Lady Brigitte Macron, which she chose to purchase from the government to keep after her tenure. The memoir sheds light on the intricate processes governing public office holders’ interactions with foreign gifts and government resources.
