From Ben Smith at Politico:
The communications for Obama’s transition, Dan Pfeiffer, flatly denied a Daily Mail report that Obama is buying an exotic $30,000 ring to thank his wife “for her support during the election.”
The report is sourced to an anonymous spokesman for the manufacturer of the rhodium ring, who is quoted claiming, “Our agent in the United States was asked by Mr. Barack Obama about the ring because he wants it as a thank-you gift for his wife Michelle for her support the last two years.”
The spokesman is not named in the story, and there seems to be no other evidence for the claim.
Click here for the full report.
OBAMA TO BUY BLACK GOLD RING TO THANK MICHELLE, 12/02/08
From The Daily Mail:
Michelle Obama is to receive this £20,000 thank you from her husband for her support during the election.
The Harmony ring is made of rhodium – the world’s most expensive metal –and encrusted with diamonds. It is being hastily made by Italian designer Giovanni Bosco in time for January’s inauguration ceremony.
Only about 25 tons of rhodium are mined each year, mostly in South Africa, and as a result its price is typically around £5,000 an ounce.
Click here for the full report.
