John Hardy Sterling Silver and 18K Yellow Gold Naga Dragon Woven Leather Bracelet
Jewelry - Bracelet · John Hardy, a luxury jewelry brand founded in Bali in 1975, renowned for handcrafted jewelry and sustainable practices.
Pattern: Naga (Dragon) Collection, specifically the woven leather and precious metal station series; this pattern remains a flagship line.
Type
Jewelry - Bracelet
Maker
John Hardy, a luxury jewelry brand founded in Bali in 1975, renowned for handcrafted jewelry and sustainable practices.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) base with 18K Yellow Gold (.750) accents (Vermeil or solid gold overlay). Features a core of hand-woven dark brown or black leather.
Dimensions
Standard men's or unisex sizing, approximately 7.5 to 8.5 inches in length. Estimated weight 25-45 grams depending on gold thickness.
Description
A striking example of John Hardy’s 'Naga' collection, this bracelet blends rugged woven leather with the opulence of 18K gold. The dragon motif holds deep cultural significance in Balinese lore, symbolizing protection and prosperity.
Key Features
Signature 'scales' texture on the gold station, high-quality tightly woven leather, and the discreetly hidden integrated clasp.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) base with 18K Yellow Gold (.750) accents (Vermeil or solid gold overlay). Features a core of hand-woven dark brown or black leather.
Finish & Decoration
Combination of polished gold and oxidized silver. Features the scale-like texture characteristic of the Naga motif, representing dragon skin. Detailed hand-etching on the metal clasp or station.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expect to find 'JH' (John Hardy logo), '925' for silver, and '18K' for the gold content on the interior or clasp surface.
Construction Details
Hand-woven leather straps utilizing Bali's traditional 'rantai' (chain) weaving technique, integrated with cast silver and gold hardware.
Functional Features
Spring-loaded or pressure-activated integrated clasp designed to disappear into the pattern for a seamless aesthetic.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Wearable item; clasp provides the tactile engagement).
Craftsmanship Details
Exhibits superior tension in the leather weave and high-fidelity detail in the cast dragon skin texture, hallmark of Hardy's master smiths.
Authentication Indicators
The crispness of the '925/18K' stamps and the weightiness of the metal station. Authentic Hardy pieces have extremely tight, even leather weaving.
Origin & Manufacturing
Designed and predominantly handcrafted in Bali, Indonesia, at the John Hardy workshop (Mambal, Bali).
Era & Period
Modern / Contemporary (late 20th to early 21st century). Design language rooted in Balinese mythology interpreted for modern fashion.
Age Estimate
Circa 2010–present. The specific Naga clasp styling is a modern staple of the brand's luxury casual line.
Cultural Significance
Represents the fusion of Western luxury marketing with East Asian artisanal craftsmanship and Balinese spiritual symbolism.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible creasing to leather near the clasp is standard for soft-wear leather. Metal shows light surface scratches consistent with use. No visible loss of gold plating if vermeil.
Value Estimate
$350 - $650 USD depending on the specific gold weight and retail/secondary market platform.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid submersion in water to preserve leather integrity. Clean metal with a dry silver polishing cloth; avoid chemical dips which can strip the intentional oxidation.
Similar Pieces
David Yurman 'Maritime' braided bracelets or Scott Kay 'Spartan' leather series. Hardy's version is distinguished by the specific dragon scale texture.
Interesting Facts
The Naga is said to live on the top of volcanoes and dive into the sea every evening to visit the Pearl, its true love; the scale pattern faces outward for protection and inward for wealth.