March 2023 | Lab Grown Magazine

March 2023 | The Lab Grown Diamond Resource Book 20 Mailed to 24,000 Jewelers Monthly - To advertise call (888) 832-1109 | March 2023 21 hose who don’t study history are bound to repeat it.” Lawrence Brows, a seasoned diamond, gemstone, and fine jewelry sales veteran is often heard referencing this statement. The original quote stems from George Santayana, (December 16, 1863 – September 26, 1952). Santayana was a Spanish and American philosopher, poet, and novelist. His quote was published as, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” I personally prefer Mr. Brows’ version since studying anything seems more creditable than trying to remember it, as memory fades. The reason for this call-out quote is to underline the multiple concerns, intense legal battles and the tug-of-war between natural emeralds and Chatham-created emeralds, a battle that Chatham, Inc endured and won in decades past. The law suits was fierily intense, extremely drawn-out, expensive and quite public. It was the first massive feud between mined vs. man- made emerald, and it set a course for an industry legend. Chatham’s championing and winning this enormous emerald fight has multiple comparisons to present day mined and man-made diamonds. The not-so-distant history lesson behind mined and man-made emerald begs those who are willing to listen, and hopefully, to learn from such. So much so, the space allocated in this feature simply isn’t enough room to cover this topic properly in one feature edit. You’ll soon see a follow-up. JIS SPRING BONUS CONTENT To celebrate the added audience acquired by the extended distribution through our JIS Spring partnership, more and more people are picking-up the print version and visiting us online. So, here’s an added perk: We’re offering an engaging Chatham, Inc. video. If you enjoy vodcasts with zero fluff; all facts; you’ll enjoy this interview stream with Tom Chatham. Exploding emeralds on live television. If the line you just read isn’t a jaw dropper, there may be something wrong with your jaw. For those that remain “unfazed,” how’s this: Decades ago, a Federal Judge told Carroll F. Chatham (and I’m paraphrasing)… “If you don’t reveal how you’re making your grown emeralds, you’ll be sentenced to a year in jail, and required to pay $5,000 per day.” That’s big money in those days, and adds up quick - then and now. Carroll Chatham refused. His relentless passion and secret formula would be the spark to winning the multiple years of lawsuits and developing a form of intellectual property second to none. The always humble Tom Chatham clarifies and offers constant credit to his lab- growing genius, and late Father, Carroll Chatham, and the processes he underwent, many aspects covered in the special link below. Tom admits Chatham, Inc. wasn’t the first to grow emeralds, but it is safe to note Chatham, Inc. was the first to do it right. And, they created the ability to manufacture a commercial line - critical to their success, and proving the process could indeed be done. A leadership nod to doubters, and a form of motivation and inspiration for others. Unlike CVD-style LGD growth processes, growing lab emeralds is a long and complicated process, perfected after decades of challenges by the legendary Chatham, Inc. Photo: staticflickr.com “ 10x5.5mm pear-cut, Chatham lab- grown emerald and diamond earring from Chatham’s Color Fashion Collection. Photo: Chatham, Inc.