Russian diamond major Alrosa said its rough diamond sales in 2006 increased by 5.64 per cent to $2.865 billion, compared to $2.712 billion in 2005, according to a company statement. %% Alrosa’s total sales of rough and polished diamonds exceeded $3 billion last year versus $2.856 billion in 2005. %% The company said that its 2006 Christmas sales proved to be more optimistic than was expected. According to the preliminary data, sales of diamond jewellery in the US during the holiday season grew by 4- to 5 per cent in comparison with the equivalent period a year earlier. %% Alrosa said its rough diamond sales in January 2007 were successful and noted a positive trend in the market.