DVH Rare Michigan Jp Tuscadero Pink Fordite Buck Hole Donut Bead Pendant 50mm rd x12 (6834)
I made this piece from genuine Fordite sourced from an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) contract paint facility in Michigan that paints components for multiple major auto manufacturers. This rare buck hole has been polished on both sides so it can be worn on a chain, cord, or ribbon, or incorporated into a larger jewelry design through its natural donut opening. Chain not included. It ships in a gift box with a Certificate of Authenticity describing the source of the material. As I’ve said for years, “Beads are like donuts—the magic is in the hole.” This piece is a rare example of a Fordite “Buck Hole.” Buck holes form around the steel tubes mounted to paint skids inside automotive paint facilities. These tubes hold the fixtures—called bucks—that support parts as they travel through multiple paint booths and curing ovens. Over years of repeated spraying and baking, thick layers of paint accumulate around these cylinders, forming dense, donut-shaped masses of Fordite. Only a few buck holes form on each skid, and many break during removal, making intact examples especially uncommon. Pieces that survive whole are polished into striking donut beads, while more fragile ones are finished as polished-face specimens. Buck hole Fordite is prized for its bold concentric patterns, industrial origin, and rarity—an unmistakable record of the machinery that carried automotive history through the paint line. Fordite is accumulated overspray from automotive paint booths, which I cut and polish using traditional lapidary techniques. In my other listings you’ll find Fordite beads, pendants, earrings, cabochons, and polished-face specimens made from a range of sources— including material from an iconic American sports car factory in Kentucky, Pacific Northwest heavy truck production, Midwest pickup & SUV lines, and other historic and contemporary paint facilities. I have over four decades of experience crafting unique Fordite pieces. Contrary to the long-held belief that new Fordite rough is nearly impossible to find due to modern manufacturing changes, there is still some contemporary material available to lapidary artists like myself. My collection comes from a very small number of trusted, reputable dealers whose material I have known for years, ensuring authenticity and proper provenance. When considering Fordite, it is essential to distinguish genuine material from the many imitations now flooding the market—resin blends, layered paints, and mass-produced composites with no true automotive history. I stand firmly behind the authenticity of every piece I create. My journey with Fordite began in the 1970s through my local Michigan rock club. Back then, dedicated rockhounds working in the auto industry would salvage chunks of dried, layered paint from factory spray booths—a practice dating back to the late 1960s. This overspray paint, repeatedly baked in curing ovens, developed remarkable hardness and stability. It was affectionately known by many names—Fordite, Buickite, Detroit Agate, etc.—but over time “Fordite” has become the most recognized and beloved term. I also invite you to explore the metaphysical qualities often associated with Fordite. Celebrated for its creative and expressive energy, Fordite symbolizes transformation and resilience—beauty born from challenge and industrial history. Its vivid colors and layered patterns radiate joy, optimism, and movement. Many appreciate its eco-conscious message, reminding us of sustainability, mindful consumption, recycling, and upcycling. Cherished by collectors for decades, Fordite carries “new car energy” and is sometimes used as a talisman for safe travel, inspiration, and artistic innovation. It suggests that obstacles can lead to growth and prosperity when met with intention. As always with metaphysical perspectives, experiences vary—trust your own intuition and connection to understand how Fordite may support you on your journey. More will be revealed. —DVHdesigns