2010
Inspired by swirling color and all things nostalgic, jewelry designer Tamra Gentry launches her debut collection and new website featuring an exciting and exotic alternative material—vintage auto enamel.
This visually stunning collection features a relatively unknown recycled material—Fordite—also known as “Detroit Agate” and “Motor City Agate.” Fordite is the result of accumulated layers of vibrant enamel overspray from 70s era automotive painting processes. However, because these processes have become much more efficient since then, overspray no longer occurs, and supplies of both rough and refined material are extremely limited, making Fordite valuable to collectors and earning it the title of “one of the rarest ‘gemstones’ in the world.”
Colorful and inspired by whimsy, Tamra Gentry’s pieces are perfect for those who appreciate one-of-a-kind art jewelry that is completely handcrafted with amazing attention to detail. Tamra specializes in turning gemstones into miniature works of art. Many of the stones she chooses to work with are cut by master lapidarists and have stunning colors, patterns, shapes and designs. She will be launching her Fordite II and StoneWear collections soon.