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
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
