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.
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