Rebecca Foerster to Receive JVC's Stanley Schechter Award

The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) has announced that industry veteran Rebecca Foerster will be honored with this year’s Stanley Schechter Award. The prestigious award will be presented at the JVC’s annual luncheon on March 13 at the renowned Rainbow Room in New York City.

A Career Defined by Leadership and Integrity

Foerster, currently the president of Hearts On Fire, North America, oversees the brand’s operations in Boston and leads all regional functions across the continent. Her extensive career in the luxury sector spans over two decades, encompassing significant expertise in merchandising, marketing, and operations. Beginning her professional journey in cosmetics and global branding, Foerster honed a keen understanding of consumer engagement and brand storytelling, skills she has effectively translated into the fine jewelry industry.

The JVC highlighted Foerster’s “exceptional understanding” of the U.S. jewelry market, noting her impactful roles at some of the industry’s most prominent companies. Prior to her current position, she served as the president of Alrosa USA and held senior leadership positions at Rio Tinto Diamonds, Frederick Goldman, and Leo Schachter Diamonds.

Commitment to the Jewelry Community

Beyond her professional achievements, Foerster is a dedicated advocate for the broader jewelry community. She actively contributes to various industry associations, including serving on the board of directors for Jewelers for Children. Her involvement extends to being a member of the executive committee of Diamonds Do Good and acting as a natural diamonds ambassador. Notably, she is also the recent past chair of the board at JVC, demonstrating a deep commitment to the organization’s mission.

Honoring Stanley Schechter’s Legacy

The Stanley Schechter Award, established in 2002, commemorates the legacy of the late Stanley Schechter, founder of Honora Industries and a long-standing board member of JVC. The award recognizes individuals who embody Schechter’s core characteristics and values: leadership, integrity, and a passion for enhancing the reputation of the jewelry community both domestically and internationally.

Sara Yood, JVC president, CEO, and general counsel, expressed her enthusiasm for presenting the award to Foerster. “Rebecca lives and breathes the industry integrity and leadership values that were so important to Stanley,” Yood stated. “When I stepped into my leadership role at JVC, Rebecca worked right alongside me to ensure that I had strong and vocal support from JVC’s board of directors and the industry at large. Her guidance has been instrumental to the success of JVC, and she deeply cares about the overall health of the jewelry industry at large.”