The Gem Lab - Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser
The Gem Lab - I.C.G.A. is an American Gem Society Accredited Gem Lab and is one of 12, Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser firm members of the American Gem Society in North America. It was founded by Mark T. Cartwright, GG (GIA), CGA, ISA, with the mission to provide accurate, expert appraisals and gemological services to the public and businesses.

Mark began cutting gemstones as a hobby in 1965, and started making jewelry in 1973.  He was the owner of a Texas based fine jewelry design studio until 1995.  He then became the designer for a local fine jewelry store in Fayetteville where he worked until founding
The Gem Lab - I.C.G.A.  Mark has been appraising fine jewelry since 1983 and earned his Gemologist diploma from GIA in 1985.  He is currently a Graduate Gemologist (GIA), Certified Gemologist Appraiser of the American Gem Society, an Accredited Member of the International Society of Appraisers and a Member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. 
Gem Lab Services
Appraisal Services
A Travelers Guide
About Us
Contact Us
Location
Appraisal Basics
Free Appraisals
What's It Worth?
Appraising the Appraisal
Appraisal Guide
Types Of Appraisals
CURRICULUM VITAE
Mark T. Cartwright, GG (GIA), CGA, APPA, ISA-AM


Professional Experience

2001 – Present
            Sapphire Sky Inc. / The Gem Lab - I.C.G.A,
            Fayetteville, AR
            President, Gemologist and Appraiser for independent
            AGS Accredited gemological laboratory

1996 – 2001
            Underwood’s Jewelers, Fayetteville, AR
            Jewelry Designer, Certified Gemologist Appraiser for
            guild type jewelry store

1982 – 1996
             Sapphire Sky Jewelry, El Paso, TX
             Owner, Goldsmith, Certified Gemologist for custom
             design fine jewelry store

1974 – 1979
             El Gato Enterprises, Austin TX
             Owner, Lapidary, Silversmith for wholesale trade
             shop serving local jewelry artisans

1965 – 1973
             Amateur lapidary and silversmith

Education and Professional Development

2006    National Association of Jewelry Appraisers
            Conference: AGS & GIA Diamond Cut Grading, Appraisal of Jadeite, Visual Characteristics of             Treated Gems, Hallmarks & Trademarks, Appraising Branded Gemstones, Jewelry Materials             & Techniques Timeline

2006    International Society of Appraisers
            Core Course update and re-qualification comprehensive examination.  Certified Appraiser             of Personal Property examination

2005     American Gem Society
              Designated Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser Firm Member

2005     Jeweler Education Foundation
              Advanced Personal Property Appraiser course, Parts I, II, and III and comprehensive exam
              earning APPA designation

2005     Accredited Gemologists Association
              Annual conference devoted to GIA and AGS diamond cut grading systems & detection of
              HTHP & Irradiated diamonds

2005      National Association of Jewelry Appraisers
              Conference: Spectroscopy Workshop, Circa Dating Jewelry, Colombian Emerald Overview,
              Native American Jewelry Overview, Detection of Advanced Diamond Treatments Overview

2003     American Gem Society
              Gemology Update: Emeralds
              Gemology Update: Rubies and Sapphires

2001     International Society of Appraisers
              Comprehensive exam and sample appraisal report earning Accredited Member designation
              Core Course in Appraisal Methodology 101, 102 and 103, and final exams, in residence.
              The Appraisal of Antique and Period Jewelry and final exam, in residence.

2001      National Association of Jewelry Appraisers
              Earned Accredited Member designation
              Forensics and Expert Witness Course for Jewelry Appraisers
              Detection of Synthetic Diamonds & HTHP Diamond Treatments Laboratory Course

2001      Gemological Institute of America
              Completed requirements earning Graduate Gemologist (GIA) title
              Diamond Grading Laboratory (5 day laboratory course)

2000      American Gem Society
              Appraisal theory courses I and II
              Exam and comprehensive appraisal report earning Certified Gemologist Appraiser               designation

2000      Gemological Institute of America
              Gem Identification Laboratory (5 day laboratory course)
              Advanced Diamond Grading Laboratory
              Detection of Advanced Synthetic Gems and Synthetic Diamonds Laboratory

1995      Jewelers Education Foundation
              Professional Appraising Foundation Course, Level 1

1989      American Gem Society
              Course and Examination requirements earning Certified Gemologist designation

1985      Gemological Institute of America
              Diamonds course
              Colored Stones course
              Gem Identification course
              Comprehensive examination earning Gemologist (GIA) designation

1974      Glen and Martha Vargas School for Faceting
              Completed two week intensive course in gemstone faceting