Wednesday, December 22, 2010

John Hardy Opens its First Boutique

After more than 19 years in business, John Hardy, the Bali-based silver jewelry designer and manufacturer, is making its move into retail. In partnership with the Masari Group, the company will open a 237-square-foot store in the Plaza Indonesia shopping mall in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Influenced by the natural beauty and spirit of Bali, the boutique is designed to mirror the experience of the John Hardy workshop with the curves of its rice terraces, bamboo groves and water-smoothed river stones. Guy Bedarida, John Hardy creative director and head designer, created a pair of hand-carved door handles, made of sterling silver and Indonesian black palm wood, the dragon handle on the store’s interior grasps a silver ring, paved in black sapphires. The dragon’s eyes are set with Moon Quartz—all fitting materials given that Naga is a revered mythological creature symbolizing prosperity and good luck throughout Asia.

Inside the store, visitors will find a hand-carved bamboo panel floor depicting a Naga curling around Mount Agung, the highest and holiest mountain in Bali. Its scales are hand-hammered sterling silver, enhanced with black volcanic sand and its tail is crafted from crushed terracotta. Fifteen floor-to-ceiling bamboo columns cradle silver-framed jewelry cases where John Hardy product is displayed.

In celebration of the boutique’s opening, Bedarida created a sterling silver and 18k yellow gold Macan pendant set with blue and white sapphires, and a Naga cuff in sterling silver and 18k yellow gold with diamond pave and cabochon rubies. The flagship will carry the full John Hardy collection, along with select pieces from the limited-edition Cinta collection.