Shelby Gem Factory

Larry Paul Kelley established ICT (International Crystal Technology) in 1970 with Craig Hardy and Tom VanBergen. Kelley had worked for Dow Chemical in Ludington and at a factory in Ann Arbor that produced laser crystals. The facility was sited in Shelby because the town had a new industrial park. By 2015, Kelley was ICT's sole owner. The Shelby Gem Factory initially produced only synthetic ruby, with ruby lasers being the principal application, primarily sold to firms in California. However, laser technology was in its infancy, Larry Kelley died on October 24, 2020. == Manufacturing ==

gem-making furnace|alt=see caption Some of the furnaces burned at . 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. The gems were synthesized in a furnace. The Shelby Gem Factory's diamonds were simulants. The factory also manufactured simulated citrine and topaz, along with other birthstone substitutes. == See also ==