Guy Bedaria had a life of glamour in New York as head designer of Van Cleef & Arpels. But a phone call from Bali-based eco jeweller John Hardy prompted his relocation to Asia.
'They were looking for someone to head the creative team, and felt I was the right man for the job. I was flattered, but turned them down initially,' says Bedaria. 'The next day, John Hardy himself called and said, 'I respect your decision but please can I ask you to come and visit Bali?' My boss at Van Cleef didn't take the offer seriously and told me to go for a holiday. So I went and fell in love with the artisanship. It was a revelation.'
Though Hardy himself retired more than three years ago, Bedaria remains committed to the brand. 'Not only because of the craftsmanship - I think we are the only luxury jewellery brand in a developing country - but also because of the brand philosophy. We have a strong commitment to the environment and the community,' he says.
As creative chief, Bedaria has a demanding schedule. He was recently in town for the Hong Kong Art Fair and to launch the John Hardy artist in residence programme, which begins this August with artist Teresita Fernandez working alongside the brand's artisans.
Bedaria is also busy training six young apprentices from a Bali orphanage in the art of jewellery making. 'Ten months ago, they could hardly use the tools, but now they are doing great. We plan to keep them on,' he says. The trainees are based at the John Hardy compound in Mambal, which is open to the public. Guests have the opportunity to see how the jewellery is hand-crafted, and then tuck into organic cuisine with produce sourced from the on-site farm.
Bedaria lives in the trendy, upscale area of Seminyak on the south of the island and this is where he does most of his socialising.
