Shelby Gem Factory
Shelby Gem Factory | |
Company type | Private |
Founded | 1970 |
Founders |
|
Defunct | 2019 |
Headquarters | , United States |
Owners |
|
Website | shelbygemfactory.com |
The Shelby Gem Factory was the production facility of ICT Incorporated, a company in Shelby, Michigan, United States, that manufactured artificial gemstones through proprietary processes. ICT began operations in 1970 and closed in December 2019.
History
Larry Paul Kelley established ICT (International Crystal Technology
The Shelby Gem Factory initially produced only
A 50-seat theater ran a presentation for visitors,[3] and jewelry was sold on site.[5]
The factory closed in 2019 after Kelley was diagnosed in 2017 with Alzheimer's disease. Other issues that contributed to the closing were worldwide competition and online markets.[8] Larry Kelley died on October 24, 2020.[9]
Manufacturing
Some of the furnaces burned at 5,040 °F (2,780 °C).[10] Factory tours were discontinued due to liability concerns attendant to the "very high temperatures and extremely bright light" and the unavailability of affordable insurance to cover the risk.[5]
The gems were synthesized in a
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f Shellenbarger, Pat (February 7, 1999). "Sparkling secrets: Out of the 'blue' comes 'diamonds'". The Flint Journal. pp. F1, F2. Archived from the original on November 4, 2022. Retrieved November 4, 2022 – via GenealogyBank.
- ^ a b c Rohan, Barry (September 18, 1992). "Success glitters: Firm shines at producing gem substitutes". Detroit Free Press. Detroit, Michigan. p. 1E, 2E. Archived from the original on January 8, 2022. Retrieved January 8, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Hallack, Sharon (December 9, 2019). "Getting their sparkle on for 50 years". Oceana's Herald-Journal. Shelby, Michigan. Archived from the original on January 9, 2022. Retrieved January 9, 2022.
- ^ Weist, Jan (August 20, 1990). "Man-made gems save on budget". The Detroit News. p. 3E. Archived from the original on November 4, 2022. Retrieved November 4, 2022 – via GenealogyBank.
- ^ a b c d e Kates, Kristi (December 31, 2012). "A Flaming Success at the Shelby Gem Factory". Northern Express. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved September 8, 2015.
- ^ Keefer, Melissa (February 7, 2015). "Shelby Gem owners love using science to create beauty". Ludington Daily News.
- ^ "Shelby Gem Factory celebrates 40 years". Oceana's Herald-Journal. December 1, 2010. Archived from the original on October 17, 2021. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
- ^ a b "Shelby Gem Factory to close". Oceana County Press. December 13, 2019. Archived from the original on October 17, 2021. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
- ^ "Larry Paul Kelley". Oceana's Herald-Journal. October 27, 2020. Archived from the original on November 4, 2022. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
- ^ DeZutter, Hank; DeZutter, Pamela Little (June 3, 1993). "Idlewild, Michigan: These Parts". Chicago Reader. Archived from the original on August 9, 2015. Retrieved November 8, 2015.
Further reading
- Tableman, Jan (2011). "Jewel of West Michigan: Shelby Gem Factory" (PDF). Michigan Country Lines. Okemos, Michigan: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association: 10–11. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 5, 2015.