Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No.’s 333-64094 and 333-64078) of Ceradyne, Inc. of our report dated February 26, 2003 relating to the financial statements and financial statement schedule, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

Orange County, California

March 31, 2003