Jewelers Go Big With Diamonds for Presidential Inauguration Festivities

By Karen Dybis | January 23, 2025

When it comes to blockbuster event jewelry, the presidential inauguration could be considered the Oscars red carpet for the political world.

One standout piece at Monday’s inauguration was the diamond brooch worn by Arkansas governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (pictured above, with her husband, Bryan Sanders). The brooch was designed by master jeweler Christo Kiffer for Sissy’s Log Cabin, the Arkansas-based jewelry chain, and meant to highlight the state and its craftspeople, says Bill Jones, Sissy’s owner and CEO.

Dubbed the Heart of Arkansas, the brooch features a 4.87 ct. uncut diamond that was mined at Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park. “It’s really more than a custom piece—it represents the natural beauty of Arkansas,” Jones says.

“Every element reflects the heart and soul of our state and tells a story of care and pride. It embodies everything we love about our home. To have it shine on such an iconic stage is an honor we’ll treasure for a long time.”

Sissys Governor Brooch — *Sissy’s Log Cabin created this diamond-covered brooch for Arkansas governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to wear on Inauguration Day.*

The center stone, which shows a diamond’s rough elegance, is surrounded by 16.22 cts. t.w. diamonds in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Kiffer chose 18k yellow gold for the brooch to add to the diamonds’ sparkle.

“The uncut Arkansas diamond at the center is naturally raw and beautiful—it really captures the spirit of our state,” Kiffer says. “The starburst design around it features different diamond cuts and a touch of yellow diamonds to add warmth and dimension.”

Additionally, Kiffer hid a small sapphire on the back of the brooch—a nod to Sissy’s dedication to natural gems as well as to providing service, selection, and quality, Jones says.

This one-of-a-kind creation took more than 100 hours to complete for Huckabee Sanders, who is a regular Sissy’s client and friend, Jones says.

“Every part of this piece was designed to honor the natural beauty of Arkansas while creating something elegant and timeless,” Kiffer says. “It’s not every day you get to work on something this meaningful, and we’re really proud of how it turned out.”

ivanka leviev earring — *The diamond earrings Ivanka Trump wore during presidential inauguration events cost an estimated $900,000, Leviev says.*

“To see a piece of Sissy’s jewelry featured at the presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C., worn by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is an incredible honor for all of us at Sissy’s,” Jones adds.

Other diamond jewelry to shine at inauguration events include the 18.08 ct. pear-shape diamond drop earrings by Leviev that were worn by first daughter Ivanka Trump at the Candlelight Dinner on Jan. 19.

For the inauguration balls the next night, Trump wore a Leviev floral-look statement necklace with 50 cts. of diamonds, along with a coordinating Leviev pair of diamond cluster earrings weighing 10 cts. total.

“We are proud to have our exquisite jewelry worn by Ivanka at this historic event with such elegance and poise,” Chagit Leviev, president and CEO of Leviev Group USA, tells JCK by email. “These diamond fine jewelry pieces made the perfect finishing touches to complete her iconic inauguration looks.”

(Photos courtesy of the brands; top photo also courtesy of Bryan Sanders)