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.
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.
The Latest
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.