John Hardy founded his namesake jewelry house in Bali in 1975, inspired by the island’s extraordinary tradition of handcrafted metalwork and the generations of artisans who preserved it. Originally from Canada, Hardy arrived in Bali during the 1970s and became deeply immersed in the techniques of local craftspeople. Working alongside Balinese artisans, he began creating jewelry that combined traditional methods of weaving, carving and chain-making with a contemporary design sensibility.

That collaboration became the foundation of John Hardy. Rather than simply borrowing from Balinese aesthetics, Hardy built the house around the skill of its artisan community, with intricate handwork becoming central to its identity. Techniques such as the handwoven Classic Chain and richly carved motifs helped establish a distinctive design language that continues decades after its founding. Today, John Hardy's legacy lives in jewelry that celebrates the human hand — tactile, expressive pieces shaped by the culture, craftsmanship and creative energy of Bali.