Baby Bunny model, 4.5", in box....In the mid- 1970s, an art student from Canada traveling through Indonesia became enamored with the ancient jewelry-making techniques of the islands. He apprenticed with the ancestors of craftspeople to royalty, learning the art of weaving, mesh, granulation and cut-work. The fruits of his study and labors: the John Hardy jewelry brand, formed in 1989.John Hardy’s priorities for the company included design and quality, people and the environment. These concerns, top-of-mind to him, remain the values that guide those currently at the helm. Four words – authenticity, transparency, accountability and diversity – set the standard at John Hardy. These principles lay a solid foundation for the corporate vision, which states: “We will be the recognized leader in luxury handmade designer jewelry and lifestyle accessories inspired by the essence of the earth. We will be recognized as a green company…it’s an endless journey but we’re greener every day.”Planting and harvesting the rice fields are a regular activity on the John Hardy compound. The complex features a ship-shaped workshop/design studio that is constructed nearly entirely of bamboo, shop and sustainable organic farm where animals roam free. Tours are routinely given, where visitors can get a sneak peek into the design process, and eat an organic lunch sitting side-by-side with master artisans.Each and every piece of John Hardy jewelry is handmade. Inherent in each bangle, bracelet, cuff, pair of earrings, necklace, pendant, key ring and tie tack for women, men and children are the passions of the artisan providing “the human touch.” Their ardor has been passed from the generations that preceded them. They are equally enthusiastic about their job, their surroundings, storied past, customs and society. Jewelry crafted by hand, rather than machine, as John Hardy jewelry is, can take between three and 10 months to complete.It all starts with the head designer’s hand-sketch. Guy Bedarida’s creative vision is then given life through the pencil and watercolor or gouache renderings done of artisans who continue the process of wax carving, master casting, creating a wax tree, pouring sterling silver or gold (100% recycled and alluvial sourced, respectively, evidence of John Hardy’s dedication to the environment), hand-cutting and hand-finishing.The resulting jewelry is ethically made and meticulously crafted wearable art. Every piece tells a story – inside and out. A great number of pieces were inspired by nature; note the curves and forms, as well as the flora- and fauna-inspired designs. Other common themes of John Hardy’s work are pattern, texture and robust rhythms, as seen in the contemporary and earthy Bamboo; whimsical Dot; organically shaped Kali; figurative Naga and hammered Palu collections. Rounding out the merchandise are the linear Bedeg, woven Classic Chain and one-of-a-kind Cinta collections.The Bamboo collection is iconic; a model of the John Hardy company’s commitment to helping the environment. An initiative established in 2006, over 900,000 bamboo plantings have offset emissions produced by industry, filtered brackish water and prevented the erosion of soil. Each piece from the collection shows the number of trees planted from part of the purchase price.That same year, John Hardy launched its sustainable advertising program, further offsetting emissions by using natural resources in its business.With all the environmental efforts waged, it is no surprise that the corporate slogan is “Greener Every Day”. Proof-positive that John Hardy “talks the talk” and “walks the walk” is the eco-friendly envelopes crafted of recycled paper with recycled padding in which the jewelry is shipped. Printing is done with soy ink.John Hardy is socially responsible as well. A program named “Jobs for Life,” established in 2009, supports at-risk Balinese minors whose families are unable to feed, house or support them during their school years. The company pays for their two final years of education and gives them an apprenticeship on the compound. They learn the English language, and study finance and health, as well as a concentrated area of career study. They are the next John Hardy employees, who’ll work in the company’s information technology, sales, design, weaving, human resources or culinary departments! Another outreach program, “Work From Home,” enables local single mothers and widows to be a part of the chain weaving process, earning a living while taking care of their families.The firm is internationally acclaimed and admired for its charitable efforts the world over. Educational, social welfare, sports, literacy and wildlife are just some of the recipients of John Hardy’s philanthropic largesse.There’s a John Hardy piece of jewelry for everyone. Actors, musicians dancers and models have been seen wearing the brand.