John Hardy
Hollie Bonneville Barden perpetuates the traditions of maîtres bijoutiers in John Hardy’s Bali atelier. Her latest couture jewel carries a spiritual message celebrating the harmony between man and nature.
Wearing a creation by John Hardy makes a statement: it means sharing a philosophy of life that focuses on nature and a respect for ancestral traditions. Of course, there is also the pleasure of wearing unique jewels created by ar- tisans using techniques that have been passed down since the dawn of time. An avid environmentalist, John Hardy dedicated himself to creating a company that operated in harmony with nature. He moved to Bali in the 70’s where the workshop continues to operate, sustainability woven into every aspect of the brand. What was once a simple atel- ier has flourished into a beautiful estate surrounded by rice fields, where an entire community of artisans thrives. John Hardy creative director Hollie Bonneville Barden’s collec- tions are saturated with the rich Balinese culture that has so heavily influenced the brand’s signature aesthetic. But her most recent creation is a true tour de force that required the collaboration of thirteen artisans and three months of work: a precious citrine pendant nested within a removable shell of intricately carved tagua. Suspended on beaded strands inspired by Balinese Naga necklaces, the piece is a veritable “hidden treasure,” paying homage to the sacred and eternal beauty of nature by giving the tagua a brilliant citrine seed. «I wanted to celebrate the natural character, warmth, and purity of the tagua nut, which can be admired and appreci- ated as an object of beauty itself,» says the designer. «The citrine hidden inside the locket has amazing flashes of light and energy. This transformable piece plays on the idea that it is up to us to protect and preserve nature.»