'Diamond Was Gorgeous': Jill Biden Recalls PM Modi's 7.5-Carat Gift Valued At $20,000 In Her Memoir

Last Updated:June 08, 2026, 08:54 IST

Jill Biden, in her memoir, 'View from the East Wing: A Memoir' wrote PM Narendra Modi gifted her a 7.5 carat synthetic diamond in 2023 which now costs $20,000.

Former US first lady Jill Biden has recalled receiving a 7.5-carat diamond from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his state visit to the United States in June 2023, describing it as one of the most memorable gifts she received while at the White House.

In her memoir, View from the East Wing: A Memoir (2026), Jill Biden wrote about the diamond and the circumstances surrounding the gift, saying it highlighted the financial and ethical rules that govern life in the White House.

“Sometimes little things—flowers, wine—but sometimes big ones, like the 7.5-carat synthetic diamond Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed me at his state visit—a symbol of his country’s bid to become a leader in lab-grown gems," she wrote. “The diamond was gorgeous," Biden added.

Jill Biden wanted to buy the diamond

According to Biden, PM Modi told her that the diamond had been handmade in his hometown and cost $2,500. He also provided the bill of sale.

Initially, she considered purchasing the gift herself. “In the case of Modi’s diamond, the prime minister said that it had been handmade in his hometown for $2,500. He even had the bill of sale. I thought, Maybe I’ll buy it. Then the State Department appraised it at $20,000, so I did not," she wrote.

The appraisal placed the value of the diamond at eight times the amount mentioned by Modi.

Under US ethics regulations, gifts presented to the president or first lady during official engagements belong to the federal government. Recipients may retain them only by purchasing them at their officially assessed market value.

Ring returned to government custody

Although she chose not to buy the diamond, Biden said it was mounted into a ring which she wore during official functions while serving as first lady.

The ring was later returned after she left office. “When we left office, I gave it back. The ring went into a warehouse along with an infinitude of other presidential gifts, many of which are simply destroyed," she wrote.

Biden noted that officials routinely took possession of gifts she received whenever they were considered to have more than nominal value. She contrasted the diamond with a bracelet gifted by French First Lady Brigitte Macron. Biden said she purchased that item from the government and continues to wear it regularly.

Glimpse into White House protocol

The memoir also offers details about preparations for PM Modi’s state visit and the White House state dinner held in June 2023.

Prepared by chef Nina Curtis, the dinner menu included a salad with marinated millets, stuffed portobello mushrooms with saffron-infused risotto, and a rose- and cardamom-infused strawberry shortcake.

The memoir provides a behind-the-scenes account of the diplomatic protocols, gift rules and planning that accompanied Modi’s 2023 state visit to Washington.

About the Author

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen...Read More

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