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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s RingThe Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJSThe discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.
SourcingMay 15, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not SellA matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.
Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone CuttersThe next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MIt was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceWhile the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place StoreJack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
