Fordite Necklace in Oxidized Sterling Silver – Fordite I

This one of a kind necklace is a little bit special! It makes me smile every time I see it – it’s almost like it contains a bit of a secret! The fun bit is that the pendant is made from a cabochon of so called Fordite. Fordite is cut layers of compacted motor paint that has hardened in the spray booths of car plants, and was taken from the Ford plant in Detroit in the US, in the 1960’s. It is sometimes featured as the rarest “gemstone” in the world and is getting harder to find. When I found these cabochons I knew I had to have some and this is the first piece I have come up with.

The focal pendant is hung on an organic rectangular chain which is entirely handmade from square silver wire, to pick up the shape of the Fordite.

The silver has been given a gunmetal grey look by adding patina and hand brushing and polishing. This gives the piece a relaxed and organic feel.

The chain is 18.5″ long at its longest and can be worn shorter by just hooking onto the chain where appropriate, with the handmade hook clasp.

The pendant measures 35mm long and 20mm across at the widest point.

This is a piece of history in a necklace and there is only one, so don’t hesitate if this is your kind of thing!