MajorsMar 15, 2022
How the Jewelry Industry Is Helping UkrainePolicies & IssuesMar 09, 2022
Alrosa USA’s Rebecca Foerster Resigns as Diamonds Do Good President
Immediate Past President Anna Martin will step back into the role.
New York—Rebecca Foerster, president of Alrosa USA, has resigned as president and board member of Diamonds Do Good, effective immediately.
Immediate Past President Anna Martin will step back into the role until the next board elections, DDG confirmed.
Formerly known as the Diamond Empowerment Fund, Diamonds Do Good is a nonprofit organization inspired by Nelson Mandela and created to tell the stories about the positive impact of diamonds in Southern Africa.
In a statement about Foerster’s resignation, the DDG board of directors thanked her for her commitment to the organization and its beneficiaries and for always putting its mission first.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, Alrosa and its CEO were sanctioned by the U.S. government.
While the sanctions are not a direct block on Russian diamonds or gold, they, along with continuing Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements, effectively prevent U.S. companies from legally—and responsibly—sourcing materials from those countries, Jewelers of America noted in an alert to members.
Following the sanctions and in the wake of the ongoing invasion, Alrosa has voluntarily stepped down as vice chair of the Responsible Jewellery Council and suspended both its Natural Diamond Council membership and financial contributions to the organization.
Related stories will be right here …
Immediate Past President Anna Martin will step back into the role until the next board elections, DDG confirmed.
Formerly known as the Diamond Empowerment Fund, Diamonds Do Good is a nonprofit organization inspired by Nelson Mandela and created to tell the stories about the positive impact of diamonds in Southern Africa.
In a statement about Foerster’s resignation, the DDG board of directors thanked her for her commitment to the organization and its beneficiaries and for always putting its mission first.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, Alrosa and its CEO were sanctioned by the U.S. government.
While the sanctions are not a direct block on Russian diamonds or gold, they, along with continuing Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements, effectively prevent U.S. companies from legally—and responsibly—sourcing materials from those countries, Jewelers of America noted in an alert to members.
Following the sanctions and in the wake of the ongoing invasion, Alrosa has voluntarily stepped down as vice chair of the Responsible Jewellery Council and suspended both its Natural Diamond Council membership and financial contributions to the organization.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
ColumnistsJan 31, 2023
Squirrel Spotting: How About a Word for the New Year?It begins with a “t” and ends with a “c” and is imbued with warmth and positivity, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsJan 31, 2023
Indian Jewelry Brand Tanishq Opens First U.S. Store, More on the WayThe jeweler’s expansion plans include 20 to 30 more stores in North America and the Middle East over the next two to three years.
Events & AwardsJan 31, 2023
Gucci Is Getting a Gem AwardThe Italian luxury brand will receive the first Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence.
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern GradingDe Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.
MajorsJan 31, 2023
Martin Flyer Names New VP of Business DevelopmentIndustry veteran Kevin Lane has stepped into the role.
Weekly QuizJan 26, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
MajorsJan 30, 2023
Researchers Uncover Bejeweled ‘Golden Boy’ MummyThe ancient Egyptian teenager was buried 2,300 years ago with 49 amulets to guide him through the afterlife.
SurveysJan 30, 2023
Consumers Embracing Non-Traditional Ways to Mark Valentine’s Day The NRF’s annual survey shows that consumer attitudes about how, or even whether, to celebrate Feb. 14 continue to evolve.
Brought to you by
De Beers Institute of Diamonds Expands to Offer Education De Beers is sharing over 130 years of experience and expertise through the De Beers Institute of Diamonds with a selection of courses.
Events & AwardsJan 30, 2023
JA Is Searching for the Next Retail ’20 Under 40’ Nominations are open now through March 24.
MajorsJan 30, 2023
10 Jewelry News Stories You Might Have MissedA column detailing how independent jewelers did last year and the top watch brands of 2022 were among the most-read stories last week.
FinancialsJan 27, 2023
Tiffany & Co. Shines for LVMH in 2022Acquired in 2021, the brand’s high jewelry sales have doubled and its new “Lock” collection was an instant hit.
MajorsJan 27, 2023
Diamond Council of America Appoints Treasurer, Board MemberExecutives from Fred Meyer Jewelers and Riddles Jewelers have filled the roles.
CollectionsJan 27, 2023
Piece of the Week: Heavenly Vices’ Lock NecklaceThe Victorian-inspired design is a functional lock and key.
Supplier BulletinJan 26, 2023
JA New York Spring Brings the Industry TogetherFor over 100 years, JA New York has played an integral role in facilitating the evolution of our industry, while also honoring past traditions.
TrendsJan 26, 2023
At Vicenzaoro, Paola De Luca Gazes Into Jewelry’s FutureThe trend forecaster and her guests explored unconventional jewelry designs, NFTs, AI art, and more during her Trendvision presentation.
CollectionsJan 26, 2023
NDC and Lorraine Schwartz Announce New ‘EDDI’ ClassThe Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative provides diamond credit and mentorship to young brands helmed by BIPOC designers.
IndependentsJan 26, 2023
Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Set to Open 10th StoreIt will be located in San Antonio’s Alamo Quarry Market and will be Lee Michaels’ third location in the city.
WatchesJan 25, 2023
These Were 2022’s Top-Selling Watch Brands, Chrono24 SaysRolex remained No. 1 while a brand known for its pilot watches slipped into the No. 5 spot.
MajorsJan 25, 2023
John Hardy Names New CEOLuxury retail executive Frédéric Levy has taken on the role.
Events & AwardsJan 25, 2023
Couture DAC Accepting Applications for Mentorship ProgramJewelry designers have until early February to apply to take part in Couture's Diversity Action Council program.
CollectionsJan 25, 2023
Stephanie Gottlieb Announces First President, CCO HireMorgan P. Richardson joins from La Perla.
Policies & IssuesJan 25, 2023
PGI’s New Portal Wants to Teach You About PlatinumThe new portal will share information on responsible platinum sourcing and how it’s used beyond jewelry.
SourcingJan 24, 2023
Tiffany Buys 35 of the Last Diamonds Recovered From Argyle Purchased directly from Rio Tinto, the collection consists of pinks, purples and one red, none larger than 1.52 carats.
ColumnistsJan 24, 2023
On Data: Here’s How Independent Jewelers Did in 2022 Sherry Smith breaks down retailers’ performance last year, including how natural diamonds fared vs. lab-grown.
GradingJan 24, 2023
GIA Launches AGS Diamond Light Performance Supplement ReportThe AGS Ideal Report by GIA is a digital-only addition to GIA diamond reports.
MajorsJan 24, 2023
WJA Announces New International Board MembersThe seven newcomers include executives from David Yurman, De Beers, and GIA.
EditorsJan 23, 2023
Designers to Watch in 2023: Aurelia DemarkThe designer finds the modernity in classic motifs and family heirloom jewels.
