Consider yourself a creative? Join a Jewellery Master Class at the John Hardy Kapal Bamboo Boutique & Workshop and immerse in local Balinese culture.
From humble beginnings to becoming an international sensation, John Hardy is one of the most beloved jewellery brands in Bali. Born in 1975, John Hardy is an artisan collective, creating luxurious pieces that honour Bali’s rich traditions, culture and nature. With over 600 employees hand-crafting jewellery using 100% reclaimed sterling silver and gold, as well as ethically sourced gemstones and diamonds, there’s a reason why John Hardy is revered worldwide.
And if you’ve always been eager to discover the secrets behind John Hardy’s iconic pieces, you’ll want to visit the John Hardy Kapal Bamboo Boutique & Workshop on the outskirts of Ubud. This all-bamboo workshop is not only a sanctuary for luxury jewellery and breathtaking architecture, it also offers an intimate and immersive experience through its must-try Jewellery Master Class.
Immerse in local traditions at this Jewellery Master Class
The Jewellery Master Class at the John Hardy Kapal Bamboo Boutique & Workshop is a rare chance to go behind the scenes of the brand’s jewellery workshop. It’s where you can experience Bali’s time-honoured technique of chain-weaving, which has been passed down through generations. It’s a centuries-old technique and intricate skill that the John Hardy artisans are best known for. After all, they’ve been handcrafting one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces in this way for over 40 years, so there’s no better place to experience it.
Trying the art of chain-weaving is without doubt our favourite part of the Jewelry Master Class. You quickly learn the incredible craftsmanship that’s required to create these internationally-acclaimed handmade pieces, experiencing first-hand the meticulous movements, extreme focus and patience required. It’s a link-by-link process that takes hours to weave just one inch! But trust us when we say that it’s worth it. You’ll leave with a wealth of knowledge, new skills, and a deep appreciation of local craftsmanship.
What to expect at the Jewellery Master Class
You can choose from two different masterclass options: the Immersion Master Class or the Customisation Master Class. Both options include a guided tour of the workshop, an exclusive peek into the archives, and an intimate hands-on session where you’ll sketch and carve wax moulds for your own designs. The Immersion Master Class leaves you with your wax carving and design to treasure, but for a truly bespoke keepsake, the Customisation Master Class brings your design to life as a finished, one-of-a-kind piece, which will later be shipped to your home address to keep forever.
Whichever masterclass you choose, you’ll be working alongside a Master Artisan to guide you through each step. You’ll first get to conceptualise your own jewellery, delving into the techniques and the step-by-step jewellery-making process. You’ll draw and shade your design, before carving it into wax, ready to create a mould for the finished piece. Then, you’ll get to try the revered hand-weaving technique from the iconic Classic Chain. It’s the best way to get a real feel of the chain-weaving process, which has been a hallmark of Balinese craftsmanship for generations.
At this stage, if you chose the Immersion Master Class, you can take home your rendered design and wax carving as a keepsake. But if you’re going all-out with the Customisation Master Class, your piece will be cast and finished, ready for you to own your very own timeless piece of John Hardy jewellery.
A delicious finale: The Long Table Lunch
The cultural immersion doesn’t stop at the workshop. As part of the Jewelry Master Class, you’re invited to finish the experience with a delicious feast at John Hardy’s famous Long Table Lunch – a time when department heads, lead designers and artisans congregate daily for a family-style lunch that celebrates traditional Balinese food.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to immerse into the community, grazing on wood-fired local specialties served banquet-style in a breezy alfresco setting. It’s served up overlooking emerald green rice paddies and the boutique’s breathtaking bamboo structure. Plus, you can find out even more about the brand’s history, directly from the people who know it best.
The Jewellery Master Class starts from IDR 4,000,000 nett per person, with an exclusive gift card of IDR 2,000,000 to spend at the boutique on the day of class. The masterclasses take place during weekdays only, from 10am – 2pm. Two days advanced reservations are required.
John Hardy Kapal Bamboo Boutique & Workshop, Banjar Baturning, Mambal, Abiansemal, p. +62 361 469 888 / +62 811 385 2233
