As if creating world-renowned jewellery in a local Ubud workshop isn’t inspiring enough, John Hardy offers sooo much more than “just” the glam of gold and silver.
Being the global brand that it is, it would be easy to assume that John Hardy is just another big-name creator of wholesale jewellery. But this Bali brand couldn’t be more different. Inspired by the island and its time-honoured jewellery-making traditions, John Hardy creates one-of-a-kind jewellery by hand – one piece at a time. Wholly sustainable, strictly ethical and dedicated to honouring the island’s artisans and Bali’s rich heritage, John Hardy is a boutique jewellery brand with a difference. But that’s not all.
If that wasn’t enough to get you buying your first John Hardy creation, what if we told you that you can actually get up close and personal with the processes of making your own unique and intricate piece? From getting to know the John Hardy history, to observing the artisans at work at the John Hardy Workshop and exploring the fine collections at John Hardy’s Kapal Bamboo Boutique, this is one immersive jewellery-buying experience that every treasure-lover needs to know.
The John Hardy History
Back in the 1970s, Canadian designer John Hardy came to Bali and fell in love with the island’s traditional jewellery-making craft – so much so, he decided to open his namesake jewellery line in Ubud. But that’s not where this story ends. John Hardy wholeheartedly adopted the island’s culture, nature and its resources into the company’s core, shaping a respectful and sustainable relationship between the company and its environment. From the material sourcing and preservation of traditional techniques, to the nurturing of their workers, everything is based on a commitment to long-lasting sustainability.
The jewellery production in particular is all about connecting the refined finished piece with the artisans that created it – highlighting the human story, if you will. Beginning from the drawing board, each piece is designed by a collective group, before being handcrafted by a community of local artisans that mould wholly recycled metals. Yup, all of John Hardy’s gold and silver has been recycled, and all diamonds and gemstones have been strictly sourced sustainably and ethically, ensuring nothing has come from an environmentally-polluting mine. Amen to that! And the kicker? You can see for yourself how your own piece of jewellery has been created, by joining a tour at the John Hardy Workshop.
The John Hardy Experience
At John Hardy’s very own creative hub in Ubud, you can get up close and personal with the brand’s remarkable principles and lauded eight-step processes, immersing yourself in the beautiful 400-acre property that’s set on lush green land. You’ll see the glass house Wantilan where brainstorming designers do their thing; the artisans’ workshop where the burning forge shapes reclaimed gold; and you’ll even meet the countless lines of craftsmen and craftswomen assembling John Hardy’s signature pieces, using traditional Balinese techniques like chain-weaving that can take four days to create. Heck, you can even try crafting your own chain weave –a feat that’s surprisingly simple, but requires immense patience and accuracy…
As part of the tour, you’ll also get to feast on an authentic Balinese lunch where you will share a long table meal (and stories) with the creative individuals at John Hardy, before exploring the entire compound, which includes a visit to the stunning Kapal Bamboo Boutique. You’ll want to book in advance to dine alongside the management team, artisans and designers, and complimentary hotel pick-ups are available on request.
John Hardy’s Kapal Bamboo Boutique
The jewel in the spectacular John Hardy crown is the majestic Kapal Bamboo Boutique – a massive bamboo structure that resembles a sailing boat from afar. It’s here at this oh-so Instagrammable spot that you can find John Hardy’s most treasured and curated collections – up close and personal. From inside-out, this building is both iconic and a true representation of the company’s sustainable standpoint. Made from nature’s most reliable materials (bamboo, adobe and thatch) this architectural marvels sits among 400 lush acres of rice paddies and farms. You’ll want to bring your cameras (and your credit card) to this one!
- Kapal Bamboo Boutique is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am – 5.30pm, and from 9am – 4pm every Saturday & Sunday.
- John Hardy Workshop Tour and Long Table Lunch is available Monday to Friday from 8.30am – 3.30pm.
Bookings essential.
Psst! With every purchase at the Kapal Bamboo Boutique, you’ll receive a unique sterling silver bamboo pin ubiquitous with the John Hardy Community – this offer is only available from now until the end of August 2019, so get in there quick, Honeys!
John Hardy Workshop and Showroom, Br Batuning Mambal, Abiansemal, p. +62-361-469888, e. [email protected]
