EditorsNov 09, 2022
‘Ice Cold’ Is a Visual Love Letter to Jewelry’s Role in Hip-Hop Lab-GrownApr 18, 2023
Tom Chatham Has Written a Book About His Family
It details the family’s history and legacy in the world of lab-grown gems and is set for release at the JCK show in Las Vegas.
Tom Chatham, left, has written his first book, “The Chatham Legacy, An American Story.” It will be available to purchase at the JCK jewelry trade show in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas—Tom Chatham, president of Chatham Created Gems Inc., has written a book about his family and the role they have played in the world of lab-created gemstones.
“The Chatham Legacy, An American Story,” is set to be released at the upcoming JCK show in Las Vegas.
The 219-page book is described as, “a look inside the true story behind the original lab-grown company,” that is a “must-read for everyone in the industry who wants to a gain a real understanding of how this category came to be.”
After experimenting with gemstone growing in the garage of his parents’ San Francisco home, chemistry-loving Carroll Chatham—Tom’s father—started Chatham Created Gems in 1938 after figuring out how to reliably produce emeralds.
“The Chatham Legacy” details these early days of experimentation, as well as the company’s battle with the Federal Trade Commission over the term “created,” a fight it ultimately won in 1963.
“Many thousands of dollars were spent to change this one little word, from ‘cultured’ to ‘created,’” Tom writes in the book. “Everyone felt relieved and positive for the future. Chatham-Created Emerald was born.”
The industry’s back-and-forth with the FTC over terminology for man-made stones continues today, from the recent revisions to the Jewelry Guides regarding terminology around lab-grown diamonds to the FTC’s current review of the “Green Guides,” which still are open for public comment.
Related stories will be right here …
“The Chatham Legacy, An American Story,” is set to be released at the upcoming JCK show in Las Vegas.
The 219-page book is described as, “a look inside the true story behind the original lab-grown company,” that is a “must-read for everyone in the industry who wants to a gain a real understanding of how this category came to be.”
After experimenting with gemstone growing in the garage of his parents’ San Francisco home, chemistry-loving Carroll Chatham—Tom’s father—started Chatham Created Gems in 1938 after figuring out how to reliably produce emeralds.
“The Chatham Legacy” details these early days of experimentation, as well as the company’s battle with the Federal Trade Commission over the term “created,” a fight it ultimately won in 1963.
“Many thousands of dollars were spent to change this one little word, from ‘cultured’ to ‘created,’” Tom writes in the book. “Everyone felt relieved and positive for the future. Chatham-Created Emerald was born.”
The industry’s back-and-forth with the FTC over terminology for man-made stones continues today, from the recent revisions to the Jewelry Guides regarding terminology around lab-grown diamonds to the FTC’s current review of the “Green Guides,” which still are open for public comment.
The book also details the company’s journey to educate and try to win acceptance from the trade.
“Just to give you an idea how prehistoric the gemological world was back then, I have personal correspondences from 1947 from Richard T. Liddicoat, then president of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which was training jewelers to become professional gemologists, asking Carroll for any suggestions he may have on separating his emeralds from natural,” Tom states in the book.
According to the book, one of Liddicoat’s letters reads, “Since your product is so beautifully made and compares so favorably to fine natural material, we doubt that it would be possible to teach a method of identification by recognition of the differences between inclusion in your product and in natural emerald.”
After emeralds, Carroll expanded to growing rubies in 1958, alexandrite in 1972, and different varieties of sapphire beginning in 1975, among other gems.
When Tom joined the family business in 1965, he focused on creating business opportunities for the gemstones his father was growing. He writes in the book, “The courts may have given Chatham-Created Emerald its blessing, but certain sectors of the jewelry industry did not—and some never would.”
Tom will be in Las Vegas during the JCK show signing copies of his book. His company exhibits in the Plumb Club Pavilion, PC-700.
It is available in hardcover only and costs $90. In addition to Chatham, both GIA and Vancouver, British Columbia-based Branko Gem Labs will be selling copies of the book.
To pre-order or reserve a copy, call 800-222-2002 or email sales@chatham.com.
More on Lab-Grown
The Latest
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Graff Unveils New Las Vegas FlagshipThe 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.
CrimeMay 28, 2025
8 Convicted in Kim Kardashian Jewelry Heist TrialAging and with myriad health issues, none will serve time for their roles in robbing the billionaire celebrity at gunpoint in 2016.
CollectionsMay 28, 2025
NY Liberty’s 2024 Championship Rings Honor Historic WinThe WNBA team received rings imbued with meaning, from leaf motifs and its Liberty torch to the number of diamonds used.
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Andrew Rickard Named JBT PresidentA longtime executive at RDI Diamonds, Rickard has served on the JBT board for the past five years.
Weekly QuizMay 22, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 27, 2025
MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
Al Capone’s Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Back Up for AuctionThe platinum and diamond watch is part of Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches sale.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Sells for $487K Recovered in Mozambique, “The Kat Florence Lumina” was part of Bonhams’ Hong Kong jewelry auction held last week.
TrendsMay 27, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Candy-Colored GemstonesGet a taste of the delicious candy-like gemstones in this Amanda’s Style File.
CrimeMay 23, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ RingFrom Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.
GradingMay 23, 2025
GIA Updates Pearl Classification SystemThe lab has adjusted the scale it uses for nacre grading.
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the SpotlightSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
CrimeMay 22, 2025
NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO ShowDavid Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14% The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.
IndependentsMay 22, 2025
Adeler Jewelers Celebrates 50 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Great Falls, Virginia, will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a year’s worth of events.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce JudgesThe nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s GuideThis year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ CollectionThe jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.
MajorsMay 21, 2025
Beyoncé Dons Brilliant Earth Necklace During Cowboy Carter TourThe bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.
SourcingMay 21, 2025
Gem Legacy Expands Advisory CouncilThe nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, PresidentCurrent Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from NasdaqThe company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through ChangeCommunicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.
IndependentsMay 20, 2025
Luis Morais Opens Flagship, Launches Collection Celebrating 25 YearsThe “Inner Journey” collection debuted as the brand celebrated its 25th anniversary, with designs inspired by Morais’ journey.
