Recently a state department notice was released that said President Barack Obama and his family have received elaborate diamond jewelry gifts since 2009.  Gift giving has been a sign of diplomacy in countries throughout the world, but media reports say that Obama's gifts to other diplomats have not been nearly as lavish as the gifts given to him.

Ironically, the Obama family cannot keep most of the goodies gifted to them.  According to a bill passed in 2009, all gifts to government officials valued over $335 must be reported and handed over to the National Archives, the General Services Administration or sold for private use at auction.

The extremely wealthy Saudi Arabian King Abdullah showered the Obama family (and prominent White House officials) with lavish gifts.  While Obama's gift wasn't in diamonds, it was still just as luxe. He received a gold medallion and gold figurines set on a marble base worth $34,500. First Lady Michelle Obama received a beautiful pearl necklace worth $14,200 and a diamond jewelry and ruby set worth $132,000. Even the first daughters Sasha and Malia got preferential treatment.  They were given diamond earrings and necklaces worth around $3,500.

Other gifts received by the Obamas include:

• A set of rare books and a gold HMS Gannet gold and wood pen worth $16,500 from UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown
• A bronze statue worth $8000 from Israeli President Shimon Peres
• A silk embroidery worth $20,000 from Hu Jinao, president of China
• A 3-foot tall carved wooden sculpture worth $6000 from Jakaya Kilwete, President of Tanzania
• An 18-karat yellow gold chain with pearls and small diamonds worth $400.00 and given to First Lady Michelle Obama from the wife of the President of Turkey.
• A Backes and Strauss "Black Star of Ghana" watch, crafted in 18 karat gold with diamonds and leather worth about $48,000 given to First Lady Michelle Obama from the First Lady of Ghana.
• A bottle of olive oil worth $75 from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas

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