Near Ubud: Exclusive John Hardy Jewelry Master Class

If you’re visiting Bali and have even a hint of interest in craftsmanship or jewelry, the John Hardy Jewelry Master Class offers a unique peek behind the scenes of one of Bali’s most renowned artisan brands. While we haven’t personally taken this experience, the detailed information suggests it’s a rich and engaging way to connect with local craftsmanship—and create a memorable keepsake.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances being hands-on and educational. You won’t just watch artisans at work; you’ll get your own turn to design, draw, carve, and even weave. Plus, the inclusion of a generous gift card means you can treat yourself to a finished piece or add to your collection. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the tour is quite structured, with a 4-hour commitment and no transportation included. This might be less ideal if you’re short on time or prefer more flexible, independent exploration.

This experience suits travelers keen on craftsmanship, cultural stories, and learning new skills. It’s perfect for those who want a meaningful, artistic activity that leaves them with a tangible creation. It’s also a great choice for anyone looking to add a special touch to their Bali trip—especially if they enjoy immersive workshops that blend history, artistry, and local techniques.

Key Points

• Authentic craftsmanship: Learn Balinese jewelry techniques from Master Artisans.
• Creative process: Design, watercolor, wax carve, and weave your own jewelry.
• Cultural insight: Discover the heritage behind John Hardy jewelry.
• All-inclusive value: Includes lunch, workshop tour, design, and a gift card.
• Small group setting: Limited to 8 participants, allowing personalized attention.
• Perfect for: Art lovers, jewelry enthusiasts, or those seeking a meaningful activity in Bali.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Jewelry Master Class

This master class is more than just a workshop; it’s an intimate window into Balinese artisanal techniques that have been passed down through generations. Set in the lush surroundings near Ubud, the experience begins with a welcoming drink and a tour of the workshop, where you’ll see artisans meticulously crafting jewelry using age-old methods.

The first hands-on activity is drawing your own jewelry design. This allows you to visualize what you want to create and understand the importance of storytelling through design. Then, you’ll move to watercolor rendering, a process that brings your sketch to life with color. It’s a step that helps you see how your design looks in a more realistic form, adding a personal touch to the final piece.

Next comes wax carving, an essential technique in jewelry making. Here, you’ll get to carve your own design into wax, gaining insight into the multi-step process that produces the final metal piece. The craftsmanship involved is intricate, but the instructors are there to guide you patiently, even if you’ve never held a carving tool before.

The highlight for many is the Icon Chain weaving—a traditional Balinese technique where you link chain segments by hand, link by link. As one reviewer put it, “You get a real feel for the chain-weaving process that has been a hallmark of Balinese craftsmanship for generations.” This activity not only demystifies the jewelry-making process but also leaves you with a tangible, beautiful piece of jewelry to take home.

The Lunch and Gift Card

After your creative efforts, a tasty Balinese lunch is included. It’s a relaxed break where you can enjoy local flavors and chat about what you’ve learned so far. Then, the special gift card worth IDR 2,000,000 makes this experience even more rewarding. You can apply this to purchase a finished piece, a custom design, or gift an item to someone back home. Many reviewers appreciate this aspect, as it allows them to extend their engagement with the brand beyond the workshop.

The Workshop Environment

The atmosphere is intimate, with small groups limited to 8 people. This ensures personalized guidance from master artisans and a chance to ask questions. The setting is professional yet welcoming, making it suitable even for beginners. The workshop also offers optional exclusive tours of their Archive and Workshop, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at their collections and craftsmanship history.

Analyzing the Value

At $255 per person, this isn’t the cheapest activity near Ubud. However, when you consider the inclusion of your design, watercolor rendering, wax carving, chain weaving, a hearty lunch, and a substantial gift card, the value becomes clearer. You’re not just paying for a tour—you’re gaining a skill, a piece of jewelry, and a deeper appreciation for Balinese artisanship.

Many reviews highlight how the experience is well-organized and insightful. The fact that no prior experience is required makes it accessible for most travelers, and the small group size enhances the learning environment. Plus, the ability to “reserve now & pay later” offers flexibility, important for travelers with unpredictable plans.

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Practical Considerations

• Timing & Duration: The workshop runs from 10 AM to 2 PM, so it fits nicely into a morning outing. Keep in mind that transportation isn’t included, so arranging your own transfer is necessary.
• Clothing & Footwear: Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended since you’ll be moving around and working with wax and carving tools.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with epilepsy, so consider your mobility or health needs beforehand.
• Children: Under 12 are not allowed, and minors must be supervised, making this more of an adult activity.
• Weather & Pathways: Expect some outdoor walking on slippery pathways, so caution is advised.

Who Would Love This Experience

This master class is ideal for art lovers, jewelry fans, craft enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a meaningful, hands-on activity. It’s a wonderful way to learn about Balinese craftsmanship firsthand and leave with a one-of-a-kind piece. If you’re interested in cultural stories told through artisanal techniques, this experience is a perfect fit.

Travelers who enjoy small-group, personalized experiences will appreciate the limited class size, and those looking to add a special piece to their Bali souvenirs will find the gift card particularly appealing. It’s also suitable for curious travelers who want to understand the process behind the jewelry they see in stores.

However, if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer free-form exploration, this structured workshop might feel a bit restrictive—though the detailed craftsmanship makes it worth the time.

Final Thoughts

The John Hardy Jewelry Master Class near Ubud offers an engaging, authentic look at Balinese jewelry-making that goes well beyond just watching artisans at work. It’s a hands-on experience that gives you a real sense of the skill, patience, and artistry involved in creating a piece of jewelry from start to finish.

For those who love crafts, appreciate craftsmanship, or simply want a memorable activity during their Bali stay, this workshop delivers more than just a souvenir—it provides a story and a skill you can cherish. The inclusion of a substantial gift card extends the value, allowing you to purchase or customize jewelry to keep as a special memento.

While the cost is somewhat higher than typical tours, the personal guidance, cultural insights, and tangible outcome make it a worthwhile investment for a meaningful Bali experience. It’s best suited for curious, creative, and patient travelers eager to connect with Bali’s artisan heritage in a very direct way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, hotel transfer is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point at the John Hardy Workshop & Kapal Bamboo Boutique in Mambal, Ubud.

How long does the Master Class last?
The experience runs for about 4 hours, typically from 10 AM to 2 PM, making it a manageable but immersive morning activity.

Is prior jewelry-making experience necessary?
No, this experience is designed for beginners. Everyone will receive guidance throughout each step, from drawing to weaving.

Can children join this Master Class?
Children under 12 are not allowed, and anyone under 18 must be supervised by an adult, ensuring a mature and focused environment.

What is included in the experience?
The class includes a welcome drink, workshop and archive tours, design drawing, watercolor rendering, wax carving, chain weaving, a traditional Balinese lunch, and a IDR 2,000,000 gift card.

Can I buy a finished piece or customize after the workshop?
Yes, the gift card can be used on the day of the class to buy finished jewelry or customize new pieces, making this a flexible souvenir option.

To sum it up, the John Hardy Jewelry Master Class near Ubud offers an authentic, educational, and creative experience that beautifully highlights Bali’s craftsmanship tradition. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to understand and participate in the jewelry-making process, leaving with a personal keepsake and a new appreciation for Balinese artisanship. If you enjoy hands-on activities and cultural storytelling, this workshop is a genuine highlight.

You can check availability for your dates here: