MajorsMar 15, 2022
How the Jewelry Industry Is Helping UkraineSourcingMar 17, 2022
Rebecca Foerster Resigns, Alrosa To Close Its US Office
Foerster said she stepped down March 10, and the office will close by the end of April.
New York—Alrosa USA President Rebecca Foerster has resigned, and the Russian diamond mining company will close its U.S. office indefinitely, National Jeweler learned Wednesday.
Foerster said she officially turned in her resignation on March 10, one day before U.S. President Joe Biden announced a ban on imports of non-industrial Russian diamonds.
She cited the ongoing “geopolitical situation” and the inability of Alrosa to do any business in the U.S. market as the reasons for her resignation.
Foerster said the office, which is in New York City, will close no later than April 30.
Alrosa and its CEO, Sergey Ivanov Jr., have been under U.S. sanction since Feb. 25, one of a number of measures enacted by the U.S. government to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
Those sanctions were not an outright freeze on Alrosa’s assets, nor did they bar U.S. companies from doing business with Alrosa, but they made it complicated.
In the wake of the sanctions, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee recommended companies review the sanctions lists and their anti-money laundering programs to ensure they were in compliance, while Jewelers of America advised its members to stop dealing in goods of Russian or Belorussian origin completely.
The subsequent ban on imports of Russian diamonds put in place March 11 further tightened the noose by barring direct diamond buying from Alrosa or any other Russian diamond companies.
While diamonds cut and polished elsewhere can be imported into the United States, JVC recommends the trade proceed with “extreme caution” when it comes to anything from Russia.
It also noted it is likely the U.S. government will ban diamonds cut and polished elsewhere in the future.
Related stories will be right here …
Foerster said she officially turned in her resignation on March 10, one day before U.S. President Joe Biden announced a ban on imports of non-industrial Russian diamonds.
She cited the ongoing “geopolitical situation” and the inability of Alrosa to do any business in the U.S. market as the reasons for her resignation.
Foerster said the office, which is in New York City, will close no later than April 30.
Alrosa and its CEO, Sergey Ivanov Jr., have been under U.S. sanction since Feb. 25, one of a number of measures enacted by the U.S. government to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
Those sanctions were not an outright freeze on Alrosa’s assets, nor did they bar U.S. companies from doing business with Alrosa, but they made it complicated.
In the wake of the sanctions, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee recommended companies review the sanctions lists and their anti-money laundering programs to ensure they were in compliance, while Jewelers of America advised its members to stop dealing in goods of Russian or Belorussian origin completely.
The subsequent ban on imports of Russian diamonds put in place March 11 further tightened the noose by barring direct diamond buying from Alrosa or any other Russian diamond companies.
While diamonds cut and polished elsewhere can be imported into the United States, JVC recommends the trade proceed with “extreme caution” when it comes to anything from Russia.
It also noted it is likely the U.S. government will ban diamonds cut and polished elsewhere in the future.
Foerster was hired to head Alrosa’s U.S. office in January 2019, with responsibility for polished diamond sales and customer service in the United States.
She came to Alrosa USA from Leo Schachter Diamonds, where she served as executive vice president of strategic planning and marketing.
Prior to that, she headed the U.S. office for Rio Tinto and, before that, was vice president of marketing for Frederick Goldman Inc.
Foerster also served as the president of Diamonds Do Good, succeeding Anna Martin in January 2021.
She said she was asked to step down from DDG the week prior to her resignation at Alrosa.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
Weekly QuizJul 10, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
IndependentsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief EffortsThe jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as HoneyInspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.
CollectionsJul 10, 2025
Penny Preville Celebrates 5 Decades of Jewelry DesignThe brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.
IndependentsJul 10, 2025
Steven Goldfarb to Retire, Close Alvin Goldfarb JewelerGoldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.
MajorsJul 10, 2025
LVMH Names New Chairman, CEO of the AmericasLongtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.
Events & AwardsJul 10, 2025
IAC Gold and Diamond Conference Returns to NYC Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.
MajorsJul 10, 2025
Hearts On Fire Appoints New Sales DirectorVickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.
SurveysJul 09, 2025
Jewelry Stays Strong as Luxury Market Slows, Bain & Co. Says Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.
Supplier BulletinJul 09, 2025
JCK Unwrapped: Trends, Insights & Post-Show TipsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
CollectionsJul 09, 2025
Cece Jewellery’s New Fruit Jewels Celebrate Life’s SweetnessThe “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.
EditorsJul 09, 2025
The Most-Read Stories of 2025, So FarDiamonds and crimes (some involving diamonds) top the list of National Jeweler’s most popular stories halfway through the year.
