Diamond Group Gives Gold Ring to U.S. Ambassador for Delivery to President

A Belgian diamond industry group presented a gold ring encrusted with 321 diamonds, 56 sapphires, 13 emeralds and six rubies to the U.S. ambassador to Belgium for delivery to the president.

presentation details Two independent jewelers estimated the ring’s value between $25,000 and $35,000. The Antwerp World Diamond Centre president said the ring should serve as a reminder that partnerships, like diamonds, are formed under pressure and endure over time.

A White House official said Thursday the ring has not yet been presented to the president.

sponsorships The ring was shown during an America’s 250th birthday event in Brussels attended by more than 8,000 people. The U.S. ambassador to Belgium raised more than $5.5 million from corporate sponsors including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Intel, Google and Meta. Four U.S. ethics experts told the Associated Press that accepting such gifts breaks with decades-old White House custom.