GABA

GABA is a family jeweller on Naxxar Road in Iklin. It has been part of Malta's gold and diamond trade since 1972 and is run today by the second generation of the Satariano family. Its main lines are engagement rings, wedding bands, diamond jewellery, 18kt gold designs and pearls, with a custom service for pieces made to a client's own idea.

For UK couples planning a Maltese wedding, a proposal or an anniversary trip, this is a boutique where the appointment is the experience: you meet one adviser, talk through the stones and settings, with an in-house workshop behind the counter. Our guide to Malta for visitors gives wider background for the trip.

How GABA began and where it is now

The story starts in 1970, when Arthur Satariano returned to Malta after three years in Canada. In 1972 his brother Albert joined with Samuel and Anthony Cremona and the partners set up the first diamond cutting factory on the island, and soon became leading traders in gold bullion. In 1973 GABA moved into high-end diamond retail, which grew into diamond jewellery design and production.

From 1982 it distributed silver, gold and diamond jewellery across Malta. In 1995 it hosted the biggest gold market on the island at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, with more than 400 gold and jewellery designers and manufacturers. A second store, GABA Gioielli, opened in 2002 with fine gold and silver, watches and international brands, and in 2010 the flagship opened over three floors in Iklin.

Today the focus is high-end 18kt gold, diamonds and pearls. Since 2020 silver has moved to a separate online brand, VIVI. If you enjoy Malta's history while you are here, our Knights of Malta guide tells the story of the order that shaped the island.

Engagement rings, wedding bands and diamonds

GABA shows its Promise Collection of engagement rings in emerald, halo, oval halo, pear, princess and round brilliant cuts, and its Infinity Collection of diamond pendants, stud earrings, tennis bracelets and trilogy rings. Wedding bands are sold under the name With You Forever, in diamond-set and plain styles. The shop lists a wedding band price from €1,160.00.

Other collections include the in-house 18kt gold Panther and Reach designs, the Gold Cigar rings and pendants set with diamonds, pearls, emerald jewellery and the exclusive Valentina Callegher collection. If none of these is right, the customisation service lets clients create a piece from scratch, from the design stage through to the workshop.

The workshop and the team

The in-house workshop is the hub of the business. Its craftsmen have more than 35 years of experience and have been with GABA for around the same time. The team pages name directors Wayne Satariano and Sue Satariano, Nikki Satariano in administration and buying, sales executive Helna Bartolo, Tania Vassallo in administration and accounts, goldsmith Ray and diamond setter Domenico.

GABA also values long-lasting relationships with clients, suppliers and staff, and offers services intended to keep jewellery in good condition over many years. Its three stated values are long lasting quality, individuality and high quality.

Planning a visit from the UK

Bookings are made by appointment, so allow time in your itinerary. If you are combining the visit with sightseeing, our Valletta guide, Mdina guide and Three Cities guide cover the main historic areas, while things to do in Malta has wider ideas. For a wedding trip to Gozo, see our Gozo guide.

Travel and accommodation advice is in our flights to Malta from the UK and where to stay in Malta pages. GABA appears alongside other independents in our jewellery shops in Malta directory.

Start your enquiry

If you would like to discuss a ring, a wedding band or a custom design before you fly, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to GABA.