Let’s just say, there’s a reason why John Hardy Bali has become a world-renowned jewellery brand for 50 years…
If there’s one Bali brand that’s shown the beauty of Balinese traditions to the world, it’s John Hardy Bali. This legendary jewellery brand was born on the outskirts of Ubud, AKA the island’s cultural heart. It first started as a small artisanal workshop in 1975, but today, it’s an internationally acclaimed jewellery brand, worn by A-List celebrities worldwide. And yet, local Balinese traditions remain at its core.
This year marks John Hardy Bali’s 50th Anniversary, and to celebrate, the brand has launched the Icon Chain Masterclass at the John Hardy Seminyak Boutique and Gallery. So of course, I had to check it out. From the hands-on workshop to the communal Long Table Lunch after the class, I can honestly say it’s the most unique jewellery experience in Bali. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect.
The John Hardy Icon Chain Masterclass: A hands-on experience with heart & heritage
I’ve always loved the John Hardy Seminyak Boutique and Gallery. In fact, it doesn’t really feel like a boutique at all. There are giant hand-woven installations in the towering ceiling, housed within a two-storey bamboo structure that overlooks a sweeping lawn and Balinese temple. The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with a cool towel, and a refreshing welcome drink from The Jamu Bar.
Before the masterclass began, we got a peek at the Icon Chain and its archive collections. It’s this chain that we got to make in the masterclass, as it’s John Hardy’s signature chain that champions and preserves Bali’s heritage art of chain-weaving.
We then headed downstairs to the gallery where the masterclass took place. I got a hands-on lesson on how the jewellery is brought to life. The first step is to cut a spring of silver into tiny, individual links, before soldering the ends of each link together. It was much harder than it looked, and it didn’t get any easier. The next step was to weave each piece link-by-link – it really does make you appreciate the intricate and painstaking work that goes into the finished pieces.
While I didn’t get a job offer (it’s a skill practiced for years by true artisans, after all), the masterclass was surprisingly meditative. And the best bit is, you get to take home your very own Icon Chain bracelet with custom engraving. After learning first-hand how hard it is to create this bracelet (it can take the artisans more than a week!), this is one bracelet I will treasure forever…
The Long Table Lunch: A feast that honours John Hardy’s artisan community
The workshop ended with John Hardy’s signature Long Table Lunch. Chef Tomy presented a bountiful spread of Indonesian dishes with a modern twist. It nods to the family-style communal meals shared by 600+ local artisans and guests at John Hardy’s original workshop.
Overlooking the lush lawn, lunch began with a platter of delicate bites and two appetisers. There was also a cocktail pairing – a tropical mix of coconut, sugar cane and rum, steeped and poured right out of a bamboo stick. You’ll want to have your camera ready for that!
The feast continued with share-style plates that spotlight local, small-scale fishermen and farmers. We tucked into the catch-of-the-day, seasonal organic vegetables, golden-fried duck and spicy sambal. The standout for me was the fish, which was freshly caught the very same morning. Chef Tomy spiced it with his traditional bumbu, then grilled it to flaky perfection. It was wonderfully complemented by a Tabanan delicacy: starfruit leaves with roasted coconut meat. I washed it all down with the tangy Asinan cocktail, and the fruity, green tea-infused Saba.
Dessert called for Indonesia’s classic Es Campur and a jamu pairing. It’s served from a traditional food cart, complete with all the toppings that you can mix and match. I went for all of them, of course! They even used a vintage ice shaver, which I thought added a lovely, nostalgic touch to such an authentic Indonesian family feast.
John Hardy Bali celebrates 50 years with the Icon 50 and Spear 50 collections
Of course, no visit to John Hardy Bali would be complete without a browse through the boutique. So, I got up close with the new Icon 50 and Spear 50 collections. These designs are part of John Hardy’s 50th anniversary celebration. They reflect everything the brand stands for: boldness, artistry, and a deep connection to Balinese tradition.
The Icon 50 collection is an evolution of the classic Icon Chain, featuring a modern Icon motif, sterling silver, and striking unisex styles. Meanwhile, the Spear 50 collection draws inspiration from traditional Balinese weapons, symbolising protection and power. Spearheads at either end are adorned with diamonds, and some with blue sapphire. Both collections are timeless, and a true showcase of the next-level craftsmanship where every edge, texture, and link tells a story.
And if that wasn’t enough, John Hardy is the only Indonesian member of the Responsible Jewelry Council, which means every piece of material is sustainably and ethically sourced. One thing’s for sure: I walked away with a whole new appreciation of the John Hardy brand – 50 years of storytelling, preservation and a legacy that’s as bold as the jewellery itself.
How much: IDR 18,100,000
How long: Three hours, from 11am – 2pm
What’s included: A welcome drink, jewellery masterclass, a customised Icon Chain bracelet, The Long Table Lunch set menu with drink pairing
Where: John Hardy Seminyak Boutique & Gallery, Jl Petitenget, Kerobokan