Elizabeth Pedone (Puckett)

Owner – Carat Consultations, LLC

Meet Elizabeth – Your Go-To Gemological Expert and Marketing Partner

Elizabeth is a Graduate Gemologist with hands-on experience in the jewelry industry since 2017. After working with two respected jewelry stores in Arkansas, she gained invaluable insights that inspired her to launch Carat Consultations—a unique service bridging gemology and marketing.

Passionate about supporting small, locally owned businesses, Elizabeth helps Arkansas jewelry stores, rock shops, and pawn shops grow their customer base through strategic marketing—while also offering expert gemstone identification and professional jewelry appraisals. She firmly believes that no business can thrive without smart marketing, and that having a Graduate Gemologist on your team is a must in today’s market.

Whether you’re looking to design a custom piece, authenticate estate jewelry, or elevate your brand presence, Elizabeth offers one-on-one consultations tailored to your goals.

Let Carat Consultations bring clarity, creativity, and credibility to your business. Contact Elizabeth today to get started.

Navy Veteran / Navy Reservist

Elizabeth (Puckett) Pedone began her military journey in 2012 when she enlisted in the United States Navy. During her active duty service, she trained and worked on F/A-18F Super Hornets as a Plane Captain, Final Checker, and Aviation Electrician’s Apprentice—a demanding role requiring precision, technical expertise, and unwavering attention to detail.

After completing her active duty in October 2016, Elizabeth returned home to Arkansas in 2017 and joined the U.S. Navy Reserves, transitioning into a new role as a Logistics Specialist. Her continued dedication to service has been recognized repeatedly—earning her the distinction of Junior Sailor of the Year for NOSC Little Rock in both 2020 and 2023.

In addition to her Reserve duties, Elizabeth currently serves on Active Duty orders as the Navy Funeral Honors Coordinator for the State of Arkansas. In this solemn and meaningful role, she honors fallen service members and supports their families during times of loss, reflecting her deep commitment to those who served before her.

Elizabeth’s military career not only shaped her character but also laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial spirit and professional excellence. Her service continues to influence the values of integrity, leadership, and respect that she brings to every client interaction through Carat Consultations.

GIA Graduate Gemologist

After completing her active duty service in the U.S. Navy, Elizabeth pursued her passion for gemology by enrolling at the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA). She attended GIA’s Carlsbad, California campus from October 2016 to May 2017, where she received world-class, hands-on training in diamond grading, colored gemstone identification, and advanced gemological instrumentation.

Her time at GIA was both rigorous and rewarding. Surrounded by a diverse community of peers from around the globe, Elizabeth gained exposure to thousands of diamonds and gemstones, mastering the critical tools and techniques of the trade. This immersive experience not only deepened her technical expertise but also confirmed her professional calling.

Now a Graduate Gemologist, Elizabeth considers gemology her true niche—one that combines scientific precision, artistic appreciation, and a commitment to excellence in service. Her credentials and passion form the foundation of Carat Consultations, where she continues to bring integrity, clarity, and confidence to every client interaction.

UALR Graduate

After marrying, Elizabeth made the intentional decision to return to school and complete the degree she had begun prior to serving in the U.S. Navy. She enrolled at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, determined not to settle for a conventional academic path. Instead, she designed a program that aligned closely with her professional goals and entrepreneurial vision.

Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, Elizabeth curated a unique academic focus by combining three disciplines into one cohesive degree: Professional Sales, Applied Communication, and Marketing. This customized approach equipped her with a powerful blend of business acumen, communication strategy, and market insight—skills she now applies directly in her work with local businesses and clients.

Throughout her time at UALR, Elizabeth maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA, consistently earning placement on both the Dean’s and Chancellor’s Lists. She graduated with distinction in Fall 2021, prepared to merge her academic foundation with her industry expertise through Carat Consultations

Wife and Mother

Elizabeth met her husband, Christopher Pedone, while performing a Navy military honors funeral service in December 2017, shortly after returning home from California. Their connection was instant and meaningful, grounded in shared values and a strong sense of purpose. They married in April 2019 and welcomed their first child, Jasmine, in 2023.

Together, they live in Little Rock, Arkansas, where family and faith are at the heart of everything they do. Elizabeth believes in keeping Christ at the center of her home, marriage, and business—and she strives to reflect those values in every interaction.

If you’re interested in Carat Consultations, LLC working for you – Fill out the Contact Form Below.