Kyocera Marks 50 Years of Innovation in the Jewelry Industry with Ethical, Lab-Grown Gemstones
Kyocera Corporation, led by President Hideo Tanimoto, is proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its jewelry business—an endeavor that began with the company’s pioneering crystal growth technology. What started as a bold vision by company founder Kazuo Inamori has now evolved into a globally recognized jewelry operation, renowned for its high-quality, lab-grown gemstones that combine ethical responsibility with cutting-edge science.
Origins Rooted in Innovation
The genesis of Kyocera’s jewelry business can be traced back to the 1970s, during a period when natural gemstones were becoming increasingly rare and expensive due to the dwindling availability of high-quality rough stones. This scarcity meant that fine jewelry was growing out of reach for the average consumer. Kazuo Inamori, ever the visionary, believed that the joy of wearing beautiful, sparkling gemstones should not be limited by nature’s unpredictability or the economics of scarcity. Instead, he envisioned creating gemstones that could rival nature’s finest—ethically and affordably.
Using Kyocera’s proprietary crystal growth technology, the company began developing lab-grown gemstones that are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural stones. This scientific achievement was not just a technical milestone but a philosophical breakthrough. It reflected Inamori’s commitment to democratizing luxury and making beauty accessible to more people while respecting nature and human dignity.
A Half-Century of Progress
Fifty years later, Kyocera has firmly established itself as a leader in the field of lab-grown gemstones. Under the brand name CRESCENT VERT, the company offers 12 different types of gemstones, including synthetic sapphires and rubies that are virtually indistinguishable from their mined counterparts. These products are available both in Japan and abroad, and the brand continues to gain strong recognition for its quality and innovation.
In the fiscal year ending March 2025, Kyocera reported a 25% increase in jewelry sales—a testament to growing consumer interest in ethical and sustainable luxury. This surge in popularity is also aligned with broader societal trends toward conscious consumption and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.
Ethical Consumption Driving Demand
Today’s consumers are increasingly prioritizing products that align with their values. The concept of “ethical consumption” has become a guiding principle for many shoppers, particularly in the luxury and fashion sectors. This shift reflects a deeper awareness of the social and environmental costs often associated with traditional production methods.
The mining of natural gemstones, for instance, has come under scrutiny for several ethical and ecological reasons. Harsh labor conditions, environmental degradation, and the depletion of non-renewable resources have cast a shadow over the industry. In contrast, Kyocera’s lab-grown gemstones are cultivated in controlled laboratory environments, free from the ethical complications of mining. This controlled setting allows Kyocera to ensure not only the quality of the gemstones but also the integrity of their production.
As a result, Kyocera’s gemstones are increasingly viewed as a responsible alternative to traditional mined gems. Their appeal lies not just in their beauty and durability but also in the transparency and ethics behind their creation.
50th Anniversary Commemorations
To celebrate five decades of excellence in the jewelry business, Kyocera has introduced a series of limited-edition jewelry pieces featuring its signature lab-grown gemstones. These special models will be unveiled at various jewelry exhibitions and sales events across Japan throughout the year. Each piece is designed to honor the company’s rich heritage while looking forward to a future rooted in sustainability and innovation.
These commemorative items are not only a tribute to Kyocera’s past but also a signal of its continuing commitment to pioneering new standards in the industry. Through these unique designs, the company hopes to inspire both long-time customers and new admirers to appreciate the blend of science, ethics, and artistry that defines the CRESCENT VERT brand.
A Commitment to the Future
Kyocera’s work in lab-grown gemstones represents more than just a business achievement—it embodies a broader corporate philosophy of contributing positively to society. As environmental concerns intensify and social equity becomes an increasingly important consideration for consumers and corporations alike, Kyocera aims to lead by example.
By offering gemstones that meet the highest standards of ethical production, Kyocera is helping redefine the jewelry industry. The company’s efforts highlight the potential for technology to serve both human desire and social good, creating products that are not only beautiful but also meaningful.
As Kyocera looks ahead to the next 50 years, its mission remains clear: to enrich lives through the fusion of technological innovation and ethical responsibility. By continuing to develop and promote lab-grown gemstones, Kyocera is not just making jewelry—it’s making a statement about the kind of world we want to live in.
In an age where consumers are demanding more from the brands they support, Kyocera stands out as a beacon of integrity and forward-thinking innovation in the luxury jewelry market. The company’s 50th anniversary is more than a celebration of longevity—it’s a reaffirmation of a vision that began with a single idea: that beauty should be both accessible and responsible.
