Policies & IssuesAug 16, 2021
GIA Awards $50K Grant to Mercury-Free Mining, ARMPolicies & IssuesAug 26, 2021
IGI’s Avi Levy Joins Board of Mercury-Free Mining
The head of IGI’s North American operations will join the organization in its mission of eradicating the use of mercury in gold mining.
Avi Levy, IGI’s president of North America, has joined the board of directors of Mercury-Free Mining Inc.
New York—Mercury-Free Mining Inc. has appointed Avi Levy, the International Gemological Institute’s president of North America, to its board of directors, the organization announced Monday.
Levy has more than 30 years’ experience in the jewelry industry and has been heading IGI’s North American operations since 2019.
He joins the MFM board to aid the organization in its mission of eliminating the use of mercury in gold mining through education and research that explores alternative methods, and enhancing the public’s trust in the jewelry industry’s gold supply chain.
Mercury is toxic to the environment and can negatively affect the long-term health of those exposed, including miners, women who may become pregnant, developing fetuses, infants, and youth who have developing nervous systems.
Jewelry designer Toby Pomeroy founded Mercury-Free Mining in 2017. He now serves as MFM’s executive director.
Commenting on Levy’s appointment, Pomeroy said: “It is thrilling for me to witness the jewelry industry coming together to address the centuries-old problem of mercury pollution from gold mining.
“It is extraordinary to see leaders of an industry dedicating their time, energies, and money to the eradicating of mercury use in mining, contributing to the well-being of 20 million miners, their families, and our environment.”
Related stories will be right here …
Levy has more than 30 years’ experience in the jewelry industry and has been heading IGI’s North American operations since 2019.
He joins the MFM board to aid the organization in its mission of eliminating the use of mercury in gold mining through education and research that explores alternative methods, and enhancing the public’s trust in the jewelry industry’s gold supply chain.
Mercury is toxic to the environment and can negatively affect the long-term health of those exposed, including miners, women who may become pregnant, developing fetuses, infants, and youth who have developing nervous systems.
Jewelry designer Toby Pomeroy founded Mercury-Free Mining in 2017. He now serves as MFM’s executive director.
Commenting on Levy’s appointment, Pomeroy said: “It is thrilling for me to witness the jewelry industry coming together to address the centuries-old problem of mercury pollution from gold mining.
“It is extraordinary to see leaders of an industry dedicating their time, energies, and money to the eradicating of mercury use in mining, contributing to the well-being of 20 million miners, their families, and our environment.”
Levy said at IGI, they are well aware of the importance of the gemological community taking steps to protect the environment.
“As we learn more every day about the threat climate change poses to our planet, we at IGI know … it is crucial the gemological community restores the environment and combats pollution,” he said.
“As a lifelong learner, I am inspired by sustainable advances being made within the sector and happy to be collaborating with Mercury-Free Mining as a board member and be part of the solution. IGI is constantly focused on identifying opportunities for engagement in worthwhile initiatives and aspires to lead others to do the same.”
Miners have used mercury for thousands of years to concentrate gold and continue to employ the potent neurotoxin because no easy, affordable, safe, and efficient alternatives are available to them.
According to the United Nations Environment Program, 37 percent of the world’s mercury emissions are the result of artisanal and small-scale gold mining.
To learn more about MFM and its mission to eliminate the use of mercury in mining, visit the organization’s website.
More on Policies & Issues
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.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
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.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
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.
