It is believed that First Lady Michelle Obama has so far received many gifts from the foreign dignitaries, but this was considered to be the most costly gifts so far. This was none other than the one she got from Saudi King Abdullah
As per the reports The First Lady was the fortunate receiver of a ruby and
diamond jewelry set valued at $132,000. She has also received a necklace consisting of 33 pearls with a sterling silver pendant, priced at $14,200. As per the reports published in the Federal Register report of State Department on foreign gifts to U.S. officials during 2009.
President Obama’s daughters, Sasha and Malia, also were the recipient of the jewelry including diamond earrings and diamond necklacespriced at over $3,500 per set.
The lavish gifts given by the Saudi King to his family, President Obama could be exempted for feeling shortchanged by the marble base featuring gold figurines and large gold medallion he received from the King, which were valued at only $34,500.
As per the reports from ABC News, White House officials, were also gifted by the king tens of thousands of dollars worth of watches and jewelry. A government interpreter was gifted ruby and diamond jewelry and other items worth an estimated $23,400.
State Department officials believed that gift giving is a time-honored element of diplomacy and relationship building.
The gifts presented by President Obama during his visits abroad were not very extravagant. During British Prime Minister Gordon Brown visit to Washington in March, 2009 President Obama gave him a box collection of 25 classic American films on DVD. In return Prime Minister Brown gifted the president a black and gold pen made with wood from the HMS Gannet
Saudi King’s gifts to American officials in 2009 were in total topped to $330,000. After the First Lady’s received ruby and diamond jewelry set, after that highest individual gift was a gold and diamond watch that the First Lady received was from the First Lady of Ghana, valued at $48,000.
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