Real Magic in River Oaks

To the astonishment of a coterie of savvy femmes and gents, the seeming magic that goes into the creation of a piece of John Hardy jewelry was revealed during the iconic jewelry designer’s Artisans in Residence program at the River Oaks District boutique. A Master Artisan from Bali and an artist in from headquarters in New York, mesmerized John Hardy fans as they demonstrated the process from watercolor sketches to the intricate silver weaving.

Realization that it requires four hours of a chain weavers effort to create a single inch of the iconic John Hardy chain was topped only by the client’s opportunity  to customize their Reversible Classic Chain bracelet via a bejeweled clasp — a first for John Hardy. With 19 raw stones to choose from, John Hardy aficionados stepped up in force to place their orders for the customized pieces which in essence give the owner two bracelets in one. The possibility of gilding the bracelet is available in both silver and gold.

The selection of stones that can light up the bracelet clasps includes diamonds, London blue topaz, ruby, garnet, peridot and amethyst, in any combination. The dazzling possibilities were a hit with customers who eagerly joined the ranks of Emma Watson, Kate Hudson and Celine Dion, high-profile fans of the John Hardy designs.

The Artisans in Residence program was initiated to showcase the complexity of the work required to create each of the handmade pieces and to highlight the work of the talented craftsmen whose skills are executed daily in the John Hardy Jewelry Workshop in Ubud, Bali. The company employs more than 700 Balinese artists and craftsmen, preserving master craftsmanship and Balinese tradition.

During the two-day event, guests were welcomed with champagne and ginger tea and invited to explore the full range of John Hardy pieces for both men and women, including the popular Legends and Bamboo collections.