You might be surprised to know that in its holdings, the National Archives preserves and protects a vast collection of gifts and jewelry given to Presidents, Vice Presidents, and their wives. The Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act allows the President and Vice President to accept, for our nation, gifts that are given as part of a centuries-old diplomatic tradition by a foreign official to the President on behalf of his or her country. The President or Vice President may only keep a foreign official gift of less than the minimal value of $350. Most Presidential foreign official gifts go to the administration’s Presidential library, overseen by the National Archives.

Although the National Archives Store cannot sell you the splendid 18-karat white gold, sapphire, and diamond jewelry set given to Vice President Dick Cheney’s wife, Lynne Cheney, by the King of Saudi Arabia, we can offer you a beautiful and varied line of jewelry inspired by the incredible history held in trust by the National Archives.

Purchases from the National Archives Store generate financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the U.S. and the world.