BRUSSELS (AP) - Dozens of diamonds form two large letter T's beside the Stars and Stripes along with the years 1776 and 2026. Additional stones outline the numbers 45 and 47 in the style of Superman's emblem. A diamond-winged eagle holds a ruby shield while grasping an emerald olive branch beneath a glowing 250 and the words 250 YEARS USA inscribed in 18-karat gold.

In total the watch-sized gold ring contains 321 diamonds 56 sapphires 13 emeralds and six rubies. It was presented this week to U.S. ambassador to Belgium Bill White for delivery to President Donald Trump.

"A very special thank you to my friends from Antwerp for the magnificent Freedom 250 ring" Trump stated in a prerecorded video shown at an event in Brussels celebrating America's 250th anniversary.

Isidore Mörsel head of the Antwerp World Diamond Center offered the ring on behalf of the historic diamond trade in the Belgian port city which faced challenges last year amid Trump's broad trade measures.

"May this ring serve as a lasting reminder that true partnership like the finest natural diamonds are formed under pressure endure the test of time and shine brightest when built on trust" Mörsel remarked. The inside of the ring bears the engraving Crafted in Antwerp for Donald John Trump.

In monetary value the ring falls short of larger presents such as the $400 million plane from Qatar that Trump directed to be refitted as a new Air Force One. Still it offers a sparkling view of how showy and typically gold-covered gifts are employed by those aiming to gain favor with the U.S. president.

A White House official speaking anonymously noted Thursday that the ring has not yet been given to Trump.

The ring marks another departure from White House gift traditions

The presentation follows Belgium's diamond sector securing exemption from U.S. tariffs on diamond imports. In September the AWDC announced it had obtained a zero percent import tariff on more than $2 billion in annual polished diamond exports from Antwerp to the United States. A group spokesperson said Thursday that the AWDC supplied input to the European Commission during 2025 tariff talks with Trump but did not lobby the administration directly.

U.S. presidents hold wide latitude to accept gifts from domestic and foreign origins and may decide if an item is intended for personal use or for the country. Gifts from foreign governments however fall under the Constitution's foreign emoluments clause and require congressional approval though presidents may reimburse the Treasury with personal funds to keep an official gift.

Personal gifts must also appear on the president's yearly financial disclosure. Trump's 2025 filing released this week listed a $250000 sculpture showing his celebratory pose after the 2024 assassination attempt in Butler Pennsylvania plus tickets to 10 sporting events including 10 seats for the upcoming World Cup final in New Jersey valued together at $15000.

Four U.S. ethics specialists told The Associated Press that Trump has diverged from long-standing White House practice of declining such offerings.

The ring's value estimated at $25,000-$35,000

The AWDC commissioned Antwerp jeweler David Gotlib to create the ring. His cufflinks often exceed 15000 euros or about $17000.

Neither the AWDC nor Gotlib supplied a value but two independent jewelers estimated the ring at $25000 to $35000. Paris- and London-based consultant Alexander Levinson calculated $25928 while Canadian jeweler David Saad placed it between $33000 and $35000. Both attributed roughly half the cost to materials and half to labor.

After the ring was handed over on a star-themed stage in Brussels musician Alexis Wilkins partner of FBI Director Kash Patel performed the national anthem before more than 8000 attendees enjoying Budweiser and bourbon from Tennessee and Kentucky.

Ambassador White reported raising over $5.5 million for the anniversary event from sponsors including Lockheed Martin Northrop Grumman Intel Google Meta and European chocolate firms Leonidas and Ferrero. The AWDC also contributed funds.

"The media was asking Why does it have to be so big" White said of the gathering. "Because we are the United States of America!"

The ambassador noted on social media Friday that once delivered to Trump the ring will be shown in the Oval Office.