Editors

5 Things to Know About … Fordite

EditorsMar 16, 2020

5 Things to Know About … Fordite

Though not actually a gemstone, the man-made material tells the story of American automotive history.

20200316_Fordite-header-2.jpg
A selection of fordite pieces from Urban Relic Design (Photo credit: Fordite.com)
Time for a little myth-busting about the man-made material known as fordite.

Even though it’s also sometimes referred to as “Detroit agate” or “motor agate” and it can be cut and polished, fordite is not a gemstone.

But that hasn’t stopped designers and brands from using the material, which looks like it could be a product of Mother Nature, in jewelry.

With its vivid waves of color that do indeed mimic natural agate and a backstory steeped in American history, I think fordite is a great alternative material to highlight in my “5 Things to Know About” series.

Read on to find out more about this “gem” and how it came to be.

1. Its story is a slice of American history.

Starting in the 1920s, auto manufacturers began painting car bodies using a hand-spraying technique to speed up the painting process, and overspray would accumulate in the paint bays.

Over time, layer upon colorful layer built up.

The pieces of enamel paint slag were repeatedly hardened in the ovens in which the cars went to cure the paint, according to Fordite.com, with some of the layers baked up to 100 times.

Eventually, the paint clumps got in the way of vehicle assembly and had to be removed. Luckily for us, groups of factory workers eventually started salvaging the material.

Some pieces of fordite have been cut and polished for use in jewelry, which Fordite.com says is done “with relative ease,” though it notes pieces vary in strength and should be treated with care.

According to an article about fordite in the spring 2016 edition of GIA’s Gems & Gemology, it takes about 997 layers of paint to build a 1-inch thick fordite slag specimen. 

Two pieces of fordite (Photo credit: Fordite.com)
Two pieces of fordite (Photo credit: Fordite.com)

2. Material came from more than just the Ford plant. 

The inspiration for the name is obvious—according to Gems & Gemology, fordite was first collected at Ford Motor Company in Michigan in the 1940s.

But the name the name now generally refers to any material composed of paint slag from various automotive plants. 

For example, there’s material from the Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky—though some prefer to call that by its own name, corvetteite—and Lincoln-Mercury paint from a Canadian plant. 

Gems & Gemology notes fordite from the 1960s and 1970s comes in the boldest hues, since there was more demand for brightly colored cars then. 

Pieces of fordite from the earlier days of automotive manufacturing tend to have more muted neutrals.

A selection of fordite earrings from Original Eve Designs
A selection of fordite earrings from Original Eve Designs

3. Supply is limited.

By the 1980s, car manufacturers had moved away from the hand-spray painting method. Now, they use an electrostatic process that magnetizes the enamels to car bodies, leaving little to no overspray.

This means, of course, no more paint buildup so the supply of fordite is limited to what’s already on the market.

Several sources noted there’s probably a lot stashed away in collections. A significant amount also was probably thrown out before workers started saving it.

But even with its limited supply, fordite still can provide an affordable option for jewelers, from $20 to several hundred dollars per piece, according to Gems & Gemology.

These two pieces of fordite show the extent of variation in color and banding between pieces of material.
These two pieces of fordite show the extent of variation in color and banding between pieces of material.

4. There are different types. 

Since it varied by plant and by era, fordite is available in many different color combinations. 

According to Fordite.com, the material is generally grouped according to how the layers fell and the color banding that resulted. 

One focuses on colored layers regularly separated by a gray branding of primer. 

The other groupings feature various degrees of color on color. One is comprised of only opaque and metallic paint in select colors from special color runs, while another has dripping and/or striped layers with occasional lace and orbital patterns or surface channeling.

Another group of fordite types features opaques and metallics with bleeding layers and, sometimes, pitting from when air bubbles developed as the layers formed. 

(Visit Fordite.com for more information and examples of the layers.)

5. The upcycled material appeals to designers and consumers today. 

There are a number of brands and designers who have taken to fordite, loving the way the “gem” has such an interesting story to tell. 

Stories are jewelry designer Eve Streicker’s ethos for her brand, Original Eve Designs, especially when it comes to the material she chooses, and fordite is a perfect match. 

“When it comes to fordite, there are few other materials that so beautifully tell the story of their past,” she told National Jeweler. 

“Fordite not only displays the changing colors used on cars in each layer of hardened, subtly sparkled paint, but also the history of the American automotive industry, which has transformed or disappeared in the Ford motor factories in Detroit.” 

Jewelry designer Marla Aaron told National Jeweler she began to take notice of fordite after she saw it set in knife and gun handles. 

Aaron emphasized how American and “poignant” fordite is. 

“There’s something really special about taking something discarded and turning it into something precious,” she said, adding that she loves the colors and the material’s light weight. 
Her eponymous brand started using fordite in her signature design—a lock—and then expanded to make cuffs and earrings using fordite, the latter of which have been especially popular.

Fashion brand Roland Mouret liked the pieces so much it used several in its New York Fashion Week presentation last fall, including Aaron’s statement earrings, which really popped on the runway. 

Aaron said the brand was so taken with fordite that it had the nail artist create a pattern to match. 
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Rio Tinto tender
SourcingSep 22, 2025
Rio Tinto Announces Final ‘Beyond Rare’ Tender

The miner is honoring the end of an era with an offering of 52 lots from the now-closed Argyle and the soon-to-close Diavik mines.

Vibhor and Alor logos
MajorsSep 22, 2025
Jewelry Manufacturer Vibhor Acquires Alor

The California-based fine jewelry brand will retain its identity post-acquisition, with new collections launching next year.

Gurhan Crown Gold Aquamarine Peacock
CollectionsSep 22, 2025
Gurhan's Collection is an 'Untamed' Zoo

The “Untamed” collection centers on carved gemstone jewelry depicting a range of animals embodying one of the four elemental forces.

reDollar-fine-jewelry-department.jpg
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment Program

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

Community for Ethical Jewelry logo
Policies & IssuesSep 22, 2025
Ethical Metalsmiths Has a New Name

Founded in 2004, the organization is now called the Community for Ethical Jewelry.

Weekly QuizSep 19, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Vanessa Fernández Studio Curva Wrap Hoops
CollectionsSep 19, 2025
Piece of the Week: Vanessa Fernández Studio’s ‘Curva’ Wrap Hoops

The trendy earrings feature asymmetrical drops, one with a grossular garnet and the other with a diamond.

Graphic for A Step-by-Step Guide to Using TikTok and Instagram Reels webinar
Recorded WebinarsSep 19, 2025
Watch: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using TikTok and Instagram Reels

Four social media marketing experts discuss their go-to methods and favorite tools for making high-quality short-form video content.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

agta-sb-0925.png
Supplier BulletinSep 18, 2025
Will Your Design Define 2026? Enter The Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards

Sponsored by American Gem Trade Association

Stock image of a woman shopping online with credit card
SurveysSep 18, 2025
Deloitte Thinks the Holidays Will Be Merry, PwC Isn’t So Sure

In its holiday report, PwC said the season will be more like jazz—improvisational and less predictable—than an easy-to-follow melody.

Pandora distribution facility Maryland rendering
MajorsSep 18, 2025
Pandora to Open New Distribution Center in Maryland

The jewelry giant will relocate its existing facility to a larger space in Anne Arundel.

Garçon New York Campaign Imagery
CollectionsSep 18, 2025
Ashley Zhang Launches Garçon New York

The designer, who is the creative force behind her namesake brand, has now started a new mini line focusing on chains for fathers and sons.

Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF
SourcingSep 18, 2025
SSEF Opens Applications for 2 Gemology Education Scholarships

The awards include tuition for a course at the Swiss lab, economy flights, and hotel accommodation.

Hill & Co. AI Strategy Graphic
TechnologySep 18, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches AI Strategy Program

The 21-day program was designed to help jewelry retailers identify opportunities and eliminate inefficiencies with AI.

Set of four Patek Philippe “Star Caliber 2000” pocket watches
AuctionsSep 17, 2025
Mythical Set of Patek Philippe Pocket Watches Expected to Sell for $10M+

A set of four Patek Philippe “Star Caliber 2000” pocket watches is part of Sotheby’s upcoming auction in Abu Dhabi.

Journey of a Jeweler by Silvia Furmanovich
TrendsSep 17, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s Book Tells the ‘Journey of a Jeweler’

The Brazilian jeweler’s latest book marks her namesake brand’s 25th anniversary and tells the tale of her worldwide collaborations.

1978 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 Tiffany Dial
WatchesSep 17, 2025
Bob’s Watches Acquires Vintage Rolex Won on ‘The Price is Right’

The Submariner Ref. 1680 with a Tiffany & Co. dial came from the original owner, who won it as a prize on the game show in the 1970s.

Jewelers Mutual Group logo
TechnologySep 17, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Launches Shipping Solution App for Shopify

The new integration allows users to manage shipments directly from the Shopify dashboard.

Crime police cars
CrimeSep 16, 2025
2 Robbery Suspects Killed in California Pawn Shop Shootout

Six people were shot last week at an Oakland cash-for-gold shop as employees exchanged gunfire with individuals trying to rob the store.

Chopard Ice Cube Modular Necklace
CollectionsSep 16, 2025
Chopard Adds New Designs to Its ‘Ice Cube’ Capsule Collection

The jeweler has expanded its high jewelry offering, which launched last year, with new pieces featuring its cube motif that debuted in 1999.

Natural Diamond Council Retailer Accreditation Program seal
SourcingSep 16, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Launches Retailer Accreditation Program

Ben Bridge Jeweler and Lux Bond & Green were a part of the pilot program. 

Kristen Bell, Angela Bassett, Lisa Manobal
EditorsSep 15, 2025
Skipping the Necklace, Embracing Snakes: The Best Jewelry From the 2025 Emmy Awards

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares eight of her favorite jewelry looks from the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held Sunday night.

Holiday presents in gift boxes
SurveysSep 15, 2025
Resilient Shoppers to Boost Holiday Retail Sales, Says Deloitte

It’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.

Buffalo Emerald
SourcingSep 15, 2025
Gemfields Achieves $32M at High-Quality Emerald Auction

It included the sale of the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald that was recently discovered at Kagem.

8.33-carat emerald-cut no-oil Brazilian emerald, A. Kleiman & Co.
SourcingSep 15, 2025
AGTA Elects 8 Members to Board of Directors

The newly elected directors will officially take office in February 2026 and will be introduced at the organization’s membership meeting.

Rough montana sapphire
EditorsSep 12, 2025
Out & About: Mining Sapphires in Rock Creek, Montana

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.

Arunashi Fordite and Rhodolite Earrings
TrendsSep 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Arunashi’s Fordite and Rhodolite Earrings

Fordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy