MajorsJan 19, 2024
Jeffrey Cohen Takes Over as 24 Karat Club ChairMajorsJan 24, 2024
Rebecca Foerster Elected Chair of JVC Board of Directors
In addition, the organization will honor Matt Stuller with the Stanley Schechter Award at its upcoming luncheon.
Hearts On Fire North America President Rebecca Foerster will serve as chair of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee’s board for the 2024-2026 term.
New York—The Jewelers Vigilance Committee has appointed new board officers for the 2024-2026 term, with Rebecca Foerster taking over as board chair.
Foerster is president of Hearts On Fire North America, a position she has held since May 2022.
Prior to that, she was president of Alrosa North America from January 2019 until the closure of that office in March 2022.
Foerster also served as the former senior vice president of strategic planning and marketing for Leo Schachter Diamonds; oversaw diamond sales and marketing as vice president for Rio Tinto’s U.S. office; and was the vice president of marketing at Frederick Goldman.
She served as president of Diamonds Do Good (DDG) for four years and currently is on the DDG executive committee as head of global partnerships.
“I am extremely honored and excited about my new role with the Jewelers Vigilance Committee,” Foerster said.
“The importance of this organization and the role it plays to support every part of our supply chain to make sure we are aware of significant issues and changes, to protect us and make sure we are compliant with ever-changing rules and legislation, has never been more relevant than today.”
Joining Foerster on the board are past Chair Jenny Luker, president of Platinum Guild International USA; First Vice President Julie Yoakum, president and chief brand merchant at Helzberg Diamonds; Second Vice President Michael Richards, vice president and chief operating officer at Underwood Jewelers in Jacksonville, Florida; Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair Mark Goldberg, chief financial officer of Rolex Watch USA; and Secretary and Legal Action Committee Chair Lisa Wong Lackland, general counsel at Ben Bridge Jeweler.
Related stories will be right here …
Foerster is president of Hearts On Fire North America, a position she has held since May 2022.
Prior to that, she was president of Alrosa North America from January 2019 until the closure of that office in March 2022.
Foerster also served as the former senior vice president of strategic planning and marketing for Leo Schachter Diamonds; oversaw diamond sales and marketing as vice president for Rio Tinto’s U.S. office; and was the vice president of marketing at Frederick Goldman.
She served as president of Diamonds Do Good (DDG) for four years and currently is on the DDG executive committee as head of global partnerships.
“I am extremely honored and excited about my new role with the Jewelers Vigilance Committee,” Foerster said.
“The importance of this organization and the role it plays to support every part of our supply chain to make sure we are aware of significant issues and changes, to protect us and make sure we are compliant with ever-changing rules and legislation, has never been more relevant than today.”
Joining Foerster on the board are past Chair Jenny Luker, president of Platinum Guild International USA; First Vice President Julie Yoakum, president and chief brand merchant at Helzberg Diamonds; Second Vice President Michael Richards, vice president and chief operating officer at Underwood Jewelers in Jacksonville, Florida; Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair Mark Goldberg, chief financial officer of Rolex Watch USA; and Secretary and Legal Action Committee Chair Lisa Wong Lackland, general counsel at Ben Bridge Jeweler.
In addition, JVC recently announced the 2024 recipient of the Stanley Schechter Award will be Stuller Inc. founder, chairperson, and CEO Matt G. Stuller Sr.
Presented annually, the Stanley Schechter Award goes to an individual who exemplifies industry ethics.
JVC said Stuller’s “visionary leadership” in the industry, which has spanned more than five decades, showcases “an unwavering commitment to integrity.”
In addition, his philanthropic endeavors, including The Stuller Family Foundation, Parish Proud, and Love Our Schools, highlight his commitment to the community around him.
JVC will honor Stuller at its annual luncheon, scheduled for Friday, March 8, at the Intercontinental Barclay hotel in New York.
It will begin at noon with a networking/cocktail hour.
For more information, visit the JVC website.
More on Majors
The Latest
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
