DESIGNED TO LAST A LIFETIME
Every love story deserves a symbol – something lasting, personal and as enduring as the bond it represents. When it comes to timeless beauty, few things shine brighter than Australian gold. Western Australia Wedding + Bride’s Hannah McDonald sits down with Michael Falocco, FGAA, specialist and designer jewellery retailer at The Perth Mint, to discuss its premier jewellery services – celebrating timelessness, craftsmanship and storytelling, and leading couples to the piece that is truly ‘mint’ to be.
Step into The Perth Mint – an institution synonymous with Western Australia’s rich gold history, expertly refining gold for more than 125 years. Although typically known for collector coins and bullion, tucked inside the iconic East Perth Mint is a breathtaking boutique featuring luxury jewellery that highlights the natural beauty of gold, diamonds and rare gemstones. Here, The Perth Mint offers a gorgeous selection of pieces, aiming to provide couples with wedding jewellery that reflects their personal story and stands the test of time.
Falocco details exactly what is on offer: “We provide a personalised experience for couples, from ready-to-wear collections to bespoke designs. Our Wedding Collection includes engagement rings, wedding bands, and matching sets crafted from high-quality materials like 18ct gold, platinum, and rare Argyle Pink Diamonds™. For those seeking something truly individual, our custom design service allows clients to collaborate with our in-house designers. We offer private appointments in our heritage-listed building – complete with expert guidance and a relaxed atmosphere.”
Forged In Time
With more than a century of precious metal refining and craftsmanship behind it, it’s no wonder that history and longevity offer inspiration to the collection. “I draw on The Perth Mint’s rich heritage to shape my personal design philosophy grounded in authenticity, precision and timeless elegance. By seamlessly blending traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics, I aim to create modern jewellery that feels both fresh and enduring. Each piece quietly honours its origins, ensuring that while styles may evolve, the spirit of excellence remains unwavering,” Falocco says.
With such an iconic location, a sense of place drives Falocco to capture Perth in all its beauty. “Our curated collection draws from both local and international markets, ensuring each design is crafted with the finest materials and a distinctly Western Australian spirit. We have a proud reputation for quality, trust and customer loyalty,” he explains.
Carving Forever
For Falocco, true brilliance lies in creating bespoke jewellery for a couple – marking every detail with intention to produce a piece to be treasured for decades to come. “There’s something truly magical about crafting a wedding piece that becomes more than just jewellery, it becomes a symbol of a couple’s unique love story. Every detail, every design choice, is infused with meaning that reflects who they are together. What I love most is knowing that this piece will live on beyond their wedding day. It’s rewarding to know that something we’ve crafted will become part of their family’s legacy.”
The process is a collaboration, led by your distinct desires and brought to life by an artful, experienced hand. “It all begins in our beautiful boutique, where I meet with clients to get to know them and hear their love story. That personal connection is at the heart of everything I do. We talk about the piece they’ve always dreamed of, its shape, its meaning, its sentiment, Falocco says. “I genuinely enjoy getting to know people, and I challenge myself to capture their story in a piece that will last forever. From raw gold to the final polish, every step is guided by their journey, resulting in a piece of jewellery that’s as meaningful as it is timeless.”
In practice, bespoke jewellery creation utilises a variety of techniques to realise exact visions. “I am a little oldschool,” Falocco admits. “I still begin each design with a rough hand sketch on paper. While I often have a vision of the final piece in my mind, the first sketch is usually quite different, and that journey from concept to creation is something I really love. Walking through the traditional design process with our clients adds depth and meaning to the collaboration. It’s a chance to connect, reflect, and refine. Of course, we also embrace modern technology, using 2D and 3D CAD modelling to bring those initial sketches to life with precision and clarity. This blend of old and new ensures each piece is crafted with care and clarity.”
A Moment Just For You
To indulge in the luxury of an exclusive experience, The Perth Mint offers an after-hours shopping opportunity unlike any other. “Couples (or small groups) can book the private shopping experience from 5:30pm-7:30pm weeknights. You gather in our historic building and explore the jewellery at your leisure, with champagne and a grazing board included. Consultants are on hand to answer questions, assist with trying on jewellery and ensure your experience is unforgettable. It really is a wonderful experience,” Falocco insists.
Whether you are interested in the after-hours experience, looking for a ready-to-wear or custom design, or simply excited to browse, The Perth Mint is the go-to destination to explore a stunning collection of wedding jewellery in a truly beautiful boutique. The building’s famous green doors are open, and the team awaits. Discover the enduring beauty of Australian gold and precious metals to celebrate something even more priceless: your love.
Images courtesy of The Perth Mint.