THINK YOU KNOW the John Hardy Kapal Bamboo Boutique in Bali’s Mambal? Think again; the newly upgraded and overhauled flagship store is sporting a new look and more offerings than ever before.
Established in 1975, John Hardy has grown into one of the most popular and successful Indonesian jewelry names to reach global fame. The company’s iconic collections – from the Icon Chain line to the Bamboo range and from the Legends Naga pieces to the Dot collection — are alluring and timeless. They have long inspired A-list clients to don the sustainable luxury jewelry in high-profile ad campaigns — boosting not only the John Hardy brand but also raising the profile of Bali as a modern, sophisticated, and fashionable destination.
An Artisanal Showcase
The brand was originally conceived as an artisan collective by John Hardy, a Canadian jeweler and artist. It was created to showcase one-off, unique pieces that incorporate local resources and introduce Bali’s fascinating heritage and rich culture to an international audience.
Over the last four decades, John Hardy’s dedicated craftspeople at the Kapal Bamboo Boutique & Workshop in Mambal, Bali — the company’s flagship location — have employed ancient skills and techniques to create gorgeous and timeless pieces of wearable art that provide a deep sense of place.
The skillful work of the artisans is supported by an ethical philosophy that ensures that all diamonds and stones used are sourced responsibly and used in conjunction with 100% reclaimed silver and gold, fulfilling the design house’s commitment to building a sustainable future for customers and employees alike.
Bamboo Backdrop
The John Hardy Kapal Bamboo Boutique is worth the trip to peaceful Desa Mambal, less than 30 minutes from central Ubud. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a remarkable, one-of-a-kind workshop and store in 100 lush acres. It’s built completely from bamboo, making for a singular shopping experience jam-packed with Instagrammable corners.
Next door to the boutique, visitors can pop into the original John Hardy workshop, where over 600 artisans and designers work diligently to bring to life the brand’s iconic jeweled visions.
Their artistic process is a wonder to watch and one that clients can experience for themselves in a Jewelry Masterclass, where they get an up-close view of the artisans hard at work as well as the chance to ask questions and get guidance from some of the best jewelers in the business.
Class participants also work alongside the master craftspeople to customize their own pieces of wearable art and learn about the ancient Balinese jewelry-making techniques behind all John Hardy collections.
Up-close with Jewelers
For those interested in diving into the company’s heritage on the island, John Hardy Kapal Bamboo Boutique guides guests through its storied history on an Archive Tour, letting visitors discover John Hardy’s past through expert commentary exemplified by incredible pieces of jewelry from the brand’s archive.
Tourgoers complete the tour with a complimentary family-style lunch at The Long Table with the brand’s artisans. Over the homemade meal, they can pick the craft people’s brains about their work.
With the recent full upgrade of the John Hardy Kapal Bamboo Boutique location following the easing of the Covid-19 pandemic, now is the best time to visit this dramatic, unforgettable destination. Experience a revamped and refreshed shop, tour the workshops and find inspiration for holiday shopping for friends and family — maybe even something for yourself too.
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All photos courtesy of John Hardy.
