Rice Given Diamond Jewels

Published on 24/12/08

Diamond necklaces, and jewel-encrusted rings were among the treasures that were presented to US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice in 2007, it has emerged.

Ms Rice was handed lavish pieces worth $316,000 (£214,000) last year, a department report has found.

The politician was given diamond bracelets and earrings, with around $147,000's worth of jewel-encrusted items being presented to her by King Abdullah II of Jordan.

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia went one better when he gave Ms Rice sparkling items worth $165,000.

The figures mean the secretary of state was given more expensive gifts than president Bush in 2007, however his wife received a diamond and sapphire set from foreign officials.

Earlier this year, it was reported that president-elect Barack Obama is set to thank his wife for all of her work on his successful campaign by buying her a £20,000 gemstone-encrusted ring which has been designed by Giovanni Bosco.