Metal: 14K Gold

Stone: Fordite from the Corvette Factory in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Measurements: Approx. 3.25” x 1”

What You Should Know: Custom created by us, this spectacular piece of Fordite was taken from the Flagship Corvette factory in Bowling Green,KY. Fordite is a term used for specimens of car paint, stripped from the floors of car manufacturing plants. For years these floors have been sprayed with different color paints, and leave a magnificent swirling design once cabbed! Chain not included.

Fordite might be one of the more contemporary items we’ve ever worked with but it is increasingly rare with a fascinating history! This man-made material is so unique and groovy—and we love the story and the sustainable practices behind it.

Also known as “Detroit agate” or “motor agate” it is not actually a gemstone created deep in the Earth’s crust. Rather, it was created between the 1920’s and the 1980’s in car factory painting bays where excess car paint gradually built up on surfaces over time. Colorful layers hardened as a result of repeated baking, a process which helped to cure the paint and ensure that it would stick to the car's surface in a weather proof way. It’s said that some of the deepest layers were baked almost 100 times.

With so much build up, manufacturers eventually realized that they had to remove the clumps. Legend has it that some brilliant factory workers noted the beautiful patterns and impressive hardness, and eventually started salvaging it. It takes nearly a thousand layers of paint to get an inch of Fordite. Pieces from the 60’s and 70’s have the boldest colors and patterns, since there was more demand for brightly colored cars during that era. Earlier examples are often more muted neutrals.

The techniques that created Fordite were phased out in the 1980’s meaning no more is being produced. This awesome substance, which represents a slice of Americana, might not be long for the finding. We’ve set some of the most fun and funky hunks of Fordite in buttery 14K yellow gold for those who want a conversation piece as unique as the time and process required to make it.