Jill Biden received the most expensive gift presented to any member of the first family in 2023: a $20,000 diamond from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The 7.5-carat diamond was the priciest among a number of valuable gifts exchanged with foreign leaders, according to an annual accounting published by the State Department. The diamond is being retained for official use in the White House East Wing, while other gifts to the Bidens have been sent to the National Archives.
In addition to the diamond, Jill Biden received a $14,063 brooch from Ukraine’s ambassador to the US, as well as a bracelet, brooch, and photo album worth $4,510 from the president and first lady of Egypt.
President Joe Biden also received a range of costly gifts in 2023. Among them were a $7,100 photo album from South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol, a $3,495 statue of Mongolian warriors from Mongolia’s prime minister, and a $3,300 silver bowl from the Sultan of Brunei. Additionally, he was gifted a $3,160 sterling silver tray from Israel’s president and a $2,400 collage from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Under federal law, executive branch officials are required to declare gifts from foreign leaders valued over $480. Many high-value gifts are either transferred to the National Archives or placed on public display, though recipients may also purchase them at market value—a rare occurrence, particularly with expensive items.
The State Department’s report also revealed that CIA employees received numerous lavish gifts, including luxury watches and jewelry, nearly all of which were destroyed. Among the items reported were a $65,100 collection of jewelry, including a diamond necklace and bracelet, and a $30,000 women’s jewelry set from Libyan jeweler Al Grew.
CIA Director William Burns also reported receiving an $18,000 astrograph, which will be transferred to the General Services Administration. However, he and other CIA employees also had to destroy expensive gifts, including several luxury watches, such as a $11,000 Omega watch and a $18,700 Rolex Yacht Master II.
The list of destroyed gifts, valued at over $132,000, includes other high-end items like $10,670 worth of Amouage perfume, which is still pending destruction.