Head to John Hardy in Bali and try your hand at crafting your very own jewellery through a series of master classes from this world-famous brand...
From humble beginnings to becoming an international sensation, John Hardy is one of the most beloved jewellery brands on the island. 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 really is no reason not to shop these wonderful creations.
And if you’ve always been eager to discover the secrets behind each of John Hardy’s iconic pieces, simply head to the stunning John Hardy Kapal Bamboo Boutique on the outskirts of Ubud. This all-bamboo workshop is not only a sanctuary for architectural buffs, it also offers an immersive experience you won’t find anywhere else. Think workshop tours, a series of masterclasses taught by the brand’s talented artisans, and a revered seat at John Hardy’s famous Long Table Lunch. Of course, browsing the gallery and shopping the latest collections is also highly recommended…
You’ll love the John Hardy Experiential Masterclass because… it’s a rare chance to go behind the scenes of the brand’s jewellery workshop. With over 40 years of experience in handcrafting one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces in Bali, you’ll learn the time-honoured techniques from Balinese artisans that have been passed down through generations. Not only that, you’ll also get to make your own John Hardy jewellery and leave with a wealth of knowledge, new skills and appreciation of the craftsmanship involved in the making of each piece. It’s an experience of a lifetime, and one for budding artisans!
You’ll want to try… the art of chain-weaving – AKA a centuries-old technique that has stood the test of time, and an intricate skill that the John Hardy artisans are best known for. Working alongside the artisans, you’ll first get to conceptualise your own jewellery, before drawing your design and carving it into wax to create a mould for the finished piece. Finally, you’ll get your hands involved in the hand-weaving of the iconic Classic Chain; a process which takes hours to weave just one inch, followed by kneading and polishing to perfection. You’ll soon discover the true craftsmanship that’s required to create these breathtaking handmade pieces, together with meticulous movements, extreme focus and a whole lot of patience! But trust us when we say that it is oh-so worth it.
Come back to… nab a seat at John Hardy’s famous Long Table Lunch. It’s a wonderful opportunity to immerse into the community of John Hardy’s artisans, staff and their families over a traditional Balinese feast. Graze on wood-fired Indonesian dishes served banquet-style in a breezy alfresco setting, where you can bask in the view of emerald green rice paddies, Ubud’s fresh air and the boutique’s breathtaking bamboo structure. Plus, you can mingle and find out the history behind the brand from the people who know it best, and perhaps secret tips and tricks you don’t get to learn in class. Our top tip: after lunch, check out the new collections at the stunning Kapal Bamboo Boutique, and see for yourself why John Hardy is one of the best jewellery brands in the world!
John Hardy Workshop and Kapal Bamboo Boutique, Banjar Baturning, Mambal, Abiansemal, p. +62 361 469 888 / +62 811 385 2233
