Shelby Gem Factory
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Synthetic gemstones manufacturing |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | Larry Paul Kelley, Craig Hardy, Tom VanBergen |
| Defunct | December 2019 |
| Headquarters | Shelby , United States |
Key people | Larry Paul Kelley (sole proprietor by 2015) |
| Products | Synthetic gemstones, including ruby crystals and cubic zirconia |
The Shelby Gem Factory served as the manufacturing site for ICT Incorporated, located in Shelby, Michigan, United States. ICT specialized in producing synthetic gemstones through unique proprietary methods. Established in 1970, the company discontinued its operations in December 2019.
History
ICT (International Crystal Technology) was established in 1970 by Larry Paul Kelley along with partners Craig Hardy and Tom VanBergen. Kelley brought with him expertise gained from his work at Dow Chemical and a laser crystal manufacturing plant in Ann Arbor. The decision to situate the factory in Shelby was influenced by the availability of a newly developed industrial park. By 2015, Kelley had become the sole proprietor of the company.
At its inception, the Shelby Gem Factory focused on producing synthetic ruby crystals primarily intended for ruby laser applications, catering mainly to clients in California. As advancements occurred in laser technology, the company expanded its product range to include synthetic gemstones of multiple colors aimed at a wider customer base. Utilizing Soviet research on cubic zirconia, Kelley succeeded in becoming the first commercial manufacturer by resolving significant temperature regulation issues. This breakthrough made cubic zirconia a profitable product line, leading Shelby to establish additional manufacturing facilities overseas to satisfy growing demand. Nevertheless, the market price for cubic zirconia experienced a steep decline, relegating it to use as filler material during periods of factory growth. In 1983, ICT inaugurated a faceting facility in southern China dedicated to producing jewelry-grade stones; this plant ceased operations in 1991, after which faceting was outsourced to firms located in China and South Korea. Prior to the 1997 Asian financial crisis, South Korea accounted for as much as 40% of ICT’s sales, but demand sharply decreased following the economic downturn. Starting in 1994, ICT also began recrystallizing rubies by melting low-quality stones imported from Myanmar.
The Shelby facility featured a theater with seating for 50 guests where company information was presented to visitors, and it also operated an on-site jewelry retail outlet.
Operations at the factory ended in 2019 after Larry Kelley was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2017. Additional contributing factors included intensified global competition and the increasing prominence of online sales platforms. Larry Kelley passed away on October 24, 2020.
Manufacturing
Some of the furnaces used during production reached temperatures as high as . Due to concerns over safety risks associated with intense heat and bright illumination, coupled with rising insurance expenses, public tours of the factory were discontinued.
The creation of gems took place within industrial furnaces. The Shelby Gem Factory manufactured diamond simulants alongside imitation citrine, topaz, and various other synthetic birthstone alternatives.
See also
Further reading
External links
- Defunct technology companies of the United States
- American inventions
- Economy of Michigan
- Gemological laboratories
- Oceana County, Michigan
- Physical chemistry
- Science and technology in Michigan
- Solar cells
- Synthetic minerals
- 1970 establishments in Michigan
- 2019 disestablishments in Michigan
- Manufacturing companies based in Michigan