Carroll Chatham

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Carroll F. Chatham from San Francisco, USA was a Caltech graduate (chemistry) and a genius pioneer in the creation of emerald. Today his endeavours are continued by his sons Tom and John. The firm is one of the major players in the production of many artificial gemstones as diamond, ruby and emerald.

Carroll tried to create diamonds at an unusual young age, only to be stopped by his father for obvious health risks. At the age of 14 he turned to the creation of emeralds, at which he eventually succeeded during his highschool years.

During the late 1950's the diamond industry started to get worried about Chatham's use of the term "cultured diamond" instead of "synthetic diamond". After several lawsuites the case was decided in favor of Chatham's compromise "created", but it remains a dispute till present day.


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