U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn attention after receiving a luxury gold ring set with hundreds of diamonds. The ring, created by Belgium's diamond industry to mark the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, is estimated to be worth up to $35,000 (about 54 million won).
According to the Associated Press, the diamond industry in Antwerp, Belgium, last week handed a watch-sized gold ring to Bill White, the U.S. ambassador to Belgium, asking that it be delivered to Trump.
The ring was made with 321 diamonds, 56 sapphires, 13 emeralds, and 6 rubies. The numbers "1776" and "2026," representing the year of the U.S. founding and this year, were rendered in diamonds, and the phrase "250 YEARS USA" was engraved in 18-karat gold. The inside of the ring was also inscribed with the phrase "Made in Antwerp for Donald John Trump."
The gift was prepared by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), which represents Antwerp's centuries-old diamond industry. The AWDC commissioned the ring's creation to David Gottlieb, a local high-end jeweler.
Antwerp is a global distribution hub through which more than 80% of the world's diamond volume passes. However, the industry faced difficulties amid the tariff policies that began after Trump took office. The industry was later able to breathe a sigh of relief in September last year when the United States exempted from import tariffs more than $2 billion in annual polished diamond exports from Antwerp.
AWDC Chairman Isidore Morsel said at the ring presentation ceremony, "May this ring serve as a lasting reminder that, like the finest natural diamonds, a true partnership is created under pressure, endures the test of time, and shines brightest when built on trust."
Trump also expressed his gratitude in a pre-recorded video message at "Freedom 250," a ceremony marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence held in Brussels, Belgium, on Nov. 28. "I am truly grateful for the wonderful 'Freedom 250' ring gifted by my friends in Antwerp," he said.
However, a White House official who requested anonymity told the Associated Press that the ring has not yet actually been delivered to Trump.
The AWDC and David Gottlieb did not disclose the ring's exact price. Jewelry experts, however, estimated the ring's value at between $25,000 and $35,000 (about 38 million to 54 million won).
