The World Diamond Museum mourns the passing of Harry Levy, an industry visionary

Alex Popov and the entire World Diamond Museum (WDM) team mourn the death of Harry Levy, a diamond and colored gemstone industry leader, and visionary, who died on May 15, 2023, at 83.

“Harry was one of my first encounters in the diamond and gem industry almost thirty years ago. As an intellectual and academic, Harry stood out in the industry. A mathematician by training, his mind was always sharp and he was always ready to engage in meaningful and stimulating conversation with anyone, regardless of the social or professional status,” Alex Popov, the WDM’s Founder, recalled.

Most people knew Harry Levy as the President of the London Diamond Bourse, the long-time President of the International Diamond Council, the Chairman of CIBJO’s Diamond Committee, or the President of Gem-A. He played a pivotal, if not decisive, role in establishing the ISO Standard 24016 for grading polished diamonds.

“For me, Harry was and will always remain a friend whom you could call any time and who would always offer a solution to any problem or situation,” Ya’akov Almor, WDM’s Communications Director, said. “We mourn his passing with all members of the London Diamond Bourse and its President Alan Cohen, and we send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Lotte, the children, grandchildren, and extended family.