Chatham emerald crystal cluster grown by Chatham Created Gems, originating from San Francisco. The piece consists of intergrown emerald crystals with sharp hexagonal form and saturated green color, presented as a natural cluster rather than a faceted stone. The crystals show the characteristic growth features associated with Chatham’s early emerald production.
Chatham emeralds were first developed in San Francisco in the late 1930s by Carroll Chatham, who pioneered a flux-growth process that closely replicated the conditions under which natural emerald forms. Chatham emeralds are historically significant as the first commercially successful lab-grown emeralds and were widely accepted by the gem trade, major jewelers, and museums during the mid-20th century.
Clusters like this are a special find because most Chatham material was cut into finished gemstones, and intact crystal groups were rarely retained. As a result, surviving examples are now sought after as collectible pieces that represent an important chapter in gemological history
20.5 x 15.1 x 8.9 mm / 15.755 carats
Estimate: $725 - $775
