Golden etiquette: Priceless gifts to political leaders

Golden etiquette: Priceless gifts to political leaders

04.09.2017

What to give to a man who can afford anything? How to surprise the president of a country and leave a trace in history?

Today we talk about the most unusual golden gifts for the heads of states.  

Golden key for Mohammad Khatami

Gift for: the 5th President of Iran, Mohammad Kharami

Price: unknown

Author: Indians jewelers

Iranian President Mohammad Khatami received a 37-cm long key made of pure gold as a gift from the mayor of Lahon City, India. It is currently displayed at the Museum of Presents to the Presidents of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Gold coin with Viktor Yanukovych’s portrait

Gift for: President of Ukraine

Price: $9,700

Author: Mint of the National Bank of Ukraine

Unique features: 500 grams, 999 fineness, cannot be used as a means of payment

A half-kilo coin was given to President Viktor Yanukovych on his 63rd birthday. The issue of gold coins with national leaders’ portraits is not a new trend. However, apart from the President’s image, this coin also features a wish: "For many years to come!"

This masterpiece with a diameter of 12 centimeters and a thickness of 1.5 centimeters is encrusted with two precious stones.

Golden dombra with diamonds for Nursultan Nazarbayev

Gift for: President of Kazakhstan

Price: $50,000

Author: Swiss craftsmen of “Empire”

Unique features: 72 notes, 3 keys and winding mechanism

This amazing and very unusual gift – a Kazakh national instrument dombra – was given to the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev by a souvenir company.

This pear-shaped stringed instrument is made of walnut covered with 24 karat gold and encrusted with diamonds. The dombra is 1 meter long and 25 centimeters wide, and cannot be played on. However, thanks to the winding mechanism the instrument can play three popular Kazakh melodies.

This one-of-a-kind musical masterpiece was presented to the head of the state in 2015.

Golden sword for Alexander Lukashenko

Gift for: President of Belarus

Price: priceless

Author: Zlatoust guild masters

Unique features: encrusted with garnet and topaz, covered with gold; in the center, there is the coat of arms of the capital of Belarus, Minsk

Smiths of Zlatoust created author's work of the highest quality in the tradition of Zlatoust metal engraving. On the blade, one can see the words of Alexander Nevsky: "Whoever will come to us with a sword, from a sword will perish". The main feature of the sword is portraits of outstanding commanders and leaders of different times engraved on its sheath.

This valuable gift was given to Alexander Lukashenko by President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, on July 3, 2014 in honor of the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from the Nazi invaders. The sword is displayed in the Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War in the capital of Belarus, Minsk.

 Golden knight for Gurnanguly Berdimuhamedow  

Gift for: President of Turkmenia

Author: national project executed by the best sculptors the artist of Turkmenia under the supervision of famous sculptor Saragt Babayev

Unique features: 21 m high, made of bronze and covered with 24-carat gold

The Golden Horseman "Arkhadag" ("Patron") was installed in the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat in 2015. The sculpture was made in recognition of all president’s merits achieved during 8 years of government. The knight of bronze which depicts the head of state on a horse is covered with gold leaf, and the whole sculpture is located on a tall white stone and. The idea was to show the strength of the head of the state and commemorate his achievements.

Golden throne for Robert Mugabe

Gift for: President of Zimbabwe

Author: best sculptors of the country

Unique features: covered with gold, decorated with diamonds and fur

The ruler of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe was 90 years old when he was presented a giant throne as a present as a symbol of 30 years in power. Sculptors lashed out and carved a throne weighing 1,200 kg from a huge piece of stone. Sculptors used skins of leopards, lions, and even crocodiles to decorate it. Work on this luxury gift started in 2012 and lasted two years.