Sustainable luxury

John Hardy brings its artisanal jewellery designs to Costco

More than just buzzwords, “sustainability” and “reclaimed materials” are, for a growing number of consumers, often the reason why they will—or won’t—buy a particular brand or item.

There are many companies whose values in social consciousness and sustainability have garnered headlines in the past several years. Founded in Bali by its namesake in 1975, John Hardy Jewelry has been one step ahead of that curve— in accomplishment, authenticity and artistry—notes Polly Purser, senior director of heritage and brand management.

The Connection recently sat down for a virtual chat with Purser, who resides near the company’s operations, to learn more about the company and why the brand is a perfect fit for Costco members.

Costco Connection While your fine jewellery company is based in New York, your pieces are crafted in Bali. Why?

Polly Purser Our founder, John Hardy, came here [Bali] in the early 1970s, and he just fell in love with the island. It was an experience that changed his life, and it is where we continue to draw inspiration from today. Whether it’s through the culture and community of the Balinese people, our beautiful surroundings or the generations of master artisans who work for us, our location is the heart and centre of the brand.

CC What makes John Hardy Jewelry different from other fine jewellery companies?

PP The history and the heritage of the product being born in Bali makes it very different from other brands, and the fact that our pieces truly continue to be made by hand is exceptional.

Our artisans are creating pieces using techniques that span hundreds of years. These include the carved wax models for our engraved bracelets, which can take months to create, to each and every link that is woven for our jewellery collections. For example, just one of the bracelets offered at Costco takes our artisans three days to weave.

CC Why were sustainability and social consciousness such an important focus for the company from the get-go?

PP The pillars of our company have roots around sustainability, community and artisanship. We’re sustainable not only in the sense that we preserve traditional techniques—this includes the “backgrille,” where cut-work is etched on the inner surface of a piece of jewellery—but also because the company has a strong position in terms of environmental sustainability. We’re accredited by the Responsible Jewellery Council, meaning the silver and gold we use is reclaimed and recycled, and the diamonds [are] ethically sourced.

CC What is it about Costco’s members that attracts John Hardy Jewelry?

PP We’re seeing that as part of a customer’s purchase experience; products that have values around sustainability really resonate with them, and our products fit this. I feel that our founding principles around artisanship, community and sustainability are essential to who we are, and I look forward to seeing how our brand is embraced by Costco members. We’re all super excited to see how this relationship develops, and where it takes us.