The best highlight of the spring/summer 2017 collection to feature this daring colour combination is an 18ct yellow gold and diamond necklace from the Modern Chain collection. The necklace has alternating rows of gold and diamonds in a repeated V-shape pattern inspired by traditional artisanal

chain-weaving techniques.

The Modern Chain collection is a contemporary unisex reinterpretation of an archival design the brand had originally created for men during the early 1990s. The use of strong, simple lines in the collection gives its pieces a young, edgy vibe.

The Bamboo collection has also expanded its offerings by including unexpected splashes of colour. Moonstones in soft peach, white and grey hues are featured prominently in the Sautoir necklace, as well as in the bracelets. Moonstones are thought to exude special properties onto the wearer, and pieces that incorporate these stones in the collection were directly inspired by the Balinese moon “rising high above the sea,” notes the official John Hardy website.

New to John Hardy this year is the introduction of raised 3D dots, named Jawan – meaning “soldier” in Balinese – in the Dots collection. The addition of the spherical pattern has given it a more graphic feel, making the cuffs and rings adorned with Jawan seem architectural.

Also new to the Dot collection is the use of ebony. The warm, dark brown colour of the ebony contrasts with the soft, metallic sheen of the sterling silver, and projects the brand’s vision to find its inspiration in nature when creating jewellery.

Over at the Legends collection, baroque pearls – known for their asymmetrical shapes – are featured. The Naga chain necklacestrings together many baroque pearls of different shapes and sizes, ranging from tear-shaped to slightly square.

The necklace also features a small talisman in the shape of Naga, a mythical water dragon that is said to protect a great, beautiful pearl nestled at the bottom of the ocean.

On the men’s side, koka beads have taken centrestage. These beads come in rich hues and organic shapes, and their effect in bracelets is masculine and relaxed.

As a brand targeting a modern generation, John Hardy has pioneered several initiatives to ensure its jewellery business is sustainable. While working to create “sustainable luxury”, the brand also runs an apprenticeship programme to help train young people to become artisans, and is also a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council.

It also pioneered its “Wear Bamboo, Plant Bamboo” initiative: whenever a piece from its Bamboo collection is bought, the programme sows bamboo seedlings to help make the earth a little more green.