Wearing Bamboo Gets an Earth Day Boost — How a Jewelry Company is Making a Difference With Seedlings

John Hardy jewelry launched its “Wear Bamboo, Plant Bamboo” initiative in 2013. To date, it has seen more than 1.3 million seedlings planted in Bali where the jewelry is handmade by local master craftsman. With Earth Day coming on April 22, the Indonesia-based company is now adding a new additions to the iconic Bamboo collection.

As is tradition with the sale of each piece from the Bamboo collection, the jewelry house plants one or more bamboo seedlings in rural areas throughout Indonesia in partnership with the nonprofit Bamboo Village Initiative. The plant has long played an important role in the economics and culture of rural communities in Bali. The eco-friendly initiative is merely one element of sustainable luxury that has been at the forefront of John Hardy philosophy since its founding by John Hardy in 1975.

Stars of the new collection are the Bamboo cuffs. The flex cuff is designed in sterling silver and is masterfully embellished with lava treated black sapphires and black spinel. Purchase of the bracelet insures planting of six bamboo seedlings. The beautifully crafted standard cuff is offered in two sizes — the 37.5 millimeter cuff, which triggers the planting of five seedlings in rural Indonesia, and the 20.5 millimeter cuff, which impels the planting of three seedlings.

The new pieces, nine in total, include twisted hoop earrings in both gold and silver, embellished snap lock earrings with black spinel and lava treated sapphires, and a sterling silver fan necklace. Bamboo-inspired rings, in either gold or silver, are new to the collection.

The designs, being released just before Earth Day, are said to have been “inspired by the power, grace and natural resilience of bamboo cane.”

John Hardy stores are currently closed except for John Hardy Soho in New York. The brand is serving customers via the John Hardy website.