Meet Sarah Gardner Fine Jewellery, the cinematic store in Melbourne’s Royal Arcade

“We have a treasure trove full of our one-of-a-kind creations.”

If there’s an exciting retail spot opening in Australia, the Fashion Journal editors need to learn more about it. Call it an obsession but exploring the inspiration behind a new brick-and-mortar (and the offerings inside) is what we do best.

Melbourne’s latest offering can be found inside the city’s oldest shopping precinct, the historic Royal Arcade, which has maintained its breathtaking Italianate façade for decades. Here, you’ll find the new home of Sarah Gardner Fine Jewellery, a Sydney-born label designing fair-trade, reclaimed jewellery.

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The eponymous label is the product of founder Sarah Gardner’s lifelong passion for jewellery-making and a celebration of Australian gems and opals. The Melbourne store opening marks a milestone for the brand, expanding beyond its original Paddington location to charm fans IRL in a new city. 

Nestled in the shop, on the arcade’s black-and-white tiled floors and beneath vintage Murano wall sconces, you’ll find bespoke pieces set with beautiful precious gems. The designs often feature organic shapes – raw, beaten metals that contrast with the delicate, vibrant stones. You’ll discover statement pieces (big, heart-shaped necklaces that bring Titanic to mind) alongside more classic pieces, perfect for celebrating engagement and commitment ceremonies.

It’s hard to enter and not be completely mesmerised by the store’s cinematic feel and precious offerings. Sarah Gardner Fine Jewellery’s new Melbourne location is clearly one designed with love. Below, founder Sarah tells us what inspired her to come to Melbourne and how the city influences her creatively.

Fashion Journal: Hi Sarah, welcome to Melbourne! What inspired you to open a store here?

Sarah Gardner: Thank you! I’m so happy to finally be here. We have always had a strong client base in Melbourne so it just made sense to have a presence here. Plus, I get to spend more time in my favourite Australian city!

Walk us through the vision and design for the Melbourne shop. What makes it different from Paddington and how are they the same?

The stores are both small, intimate spaces in heritage buildings and are similar in that sense. They’re also the same in that they encourage you to slow down and spend time taking in the jewellery. I fell in love with the original antique black and white tiles in the Melbourne store and wanted to keep things pared back. I love the David Lynch-like feeling of the plush green velvet curtains, too.

What can people expect to find in-store?

We have a treasure trove full of our one-of-a-kind creations. There are pieces I have made with Melbourne in mind, featuring our incredible Australian opals. We had clients flying up every week from Melbourne to look at our ceremonial pieces in our Sydney store, so we’ve made sure that we always have a selection of our ‘Salt and Pepper’ and Australian sapphire rings in store, too. I’m constantly making new pieces, so there are new treasures landing weekly.

Which of your pieces feels especially ‘Melbourne’ to you and why?

There have been a few dark, moody bi-coloured tourmaline ‘Splice’ rings that always feel very Melbourne to me and never last more than a day or two in-store.

Do you have a favourite part of the space?

My favourite part of the space is around the front cabinet, which has become a focal point of the store with the beautiful vintage Murano wall sconces.

What do you love about the neighbourhood and what has the response from locals been like?

I’ve been visiting the Royal Arcade since I was a child. It’s so nice to be a part of it now!  I love that we’re in the heart of the CBD and are so accessible. It’s amazing and inspiring to be part of a city that still has so many independent designers and stores. We’ve had such an incredible response from our Melbourne clients and are now more accessible to our South Australian and Tasmanian friends, too.

How is Melbourne exciting you or inspiring you creatively?

I have always loved Melbourne. I love the architecture and I’m inspired by the beauty everywhere. Whenever I come back, my camera roll is full of photos of the incredible buildings. Being in such a creative city is always good for the soul and leaves me feeling uplifted and inspired. 

Where can people find you and what are your store hours?

We are located at 316 Little Collins Street, just outside the Royal Arcade. We are open Monday through Saturday, from 10am to 5pm.

To check out Sarah Gardner Fine Jewellery, visit the Melbourne shop or head here.