Discreetly located along a residential street in Balzan, Sarah Gauci – the namesake store of jewellery designer Sarah Gauci – is a comfortingly feminine space that bears the marks of a glamorous Parisian boutique mixed with the old-world charm of an American ice-cream parlour.
The interior colour scheme of blush pink, mint and pistachio green, gleaming chandeliers and picture-perfect details are a physical embodiment of her jewellery brand rooted in the feminine and romantic with a vintage influence, which began as an online business in 2013.
“My love of making things started with my grandmother – an artisan herself, with an incredible eye for detail. We spent so much time together when I was growing up, doing bizzilla, ganutell, crochet, knitting and beading. You name it, we probably tried it,” says Sarah. “She taught me how much we can create with our hands and a little imagination.”
Sarah’s fondness for crystals, pearls and sparkly objects led her to narrow down her true passion: jewellery-making. “I work with traditional techniques and genuine Swarovski crystals, bringing my own interpretation to the shapes and details I’ve always admired.”
What began as a business in her bedroom evolved into an online brand crafted from her home studio, which she eventually outgrew, leading to the opening of her shop in 2020.
“I got married in 2019, and it felt like the right moment to take the risk I’d been dreaming about. Of course, I didn’t know whether it would work,” says Sarah. “Believing in what I was doing helped, and having a very supportive husband made a huge difference.”
Since then, her jewellery has been featured in British Vogue, Tatler and international wedding publications and collaborations for bridal editorials – achievements she singles out as distinctly proud moments.
It began with a vision board
Sarah’s interior design process began with a vision board, gathering colour samples, fabrics and details she liked and that she noticed instigated feelings of happiness.
“It’s no secret that I love Paris, and Disneyland was a little part of the inspiration too. There’s something about the pastel colours, the sparkle and the familiarity of it all that takes me back to childhood,” Sarah notes. “The bakeries, the beautiful pastries, the big crystal chandeliers. Those were the details I kept coming back to.”
Some of her favourite features are the small details, such as the bow-shaped knobs for every drawer, the curved desk and the illuminated arches. “I wasn’t following one interior style. I was bringing together things I loved and finding a way for them to sit comfortably alongside my jewellery.”
The jeweller’s desk positioned at the entrance allows her to greet clients as soon as they walk in, establishing a welcoming feel from the moment they set foot inside.
From there, the displays are arranged so clients can move through the shop and look at the jewellery at their own pace.
The future looks bright
As she marks six years inside her Balzan store, Sarah is keen to continue expanding her brand locally and internationally – which has reached brides as far as Hong Kong – while maintaining the personal contact that has always underscored the way she works.
“Continuing my education is also important to me. I’m a GIA Applied Jewellery Professional, and I’m continuing my gemmology studies in between everything else. Learning more about gemstones is giving me plenty to explore as a designer,” says Sarah.
“Looking back, I’m proud of what we managed to achieve. There was a time when having my own shop felt so far away, and then I was standing in it. I know my younger self would be proud, and I hope my nanna would be too.”
Photography by Sarah Gauci
