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SPRING 2018 21 DIAMOND GALLERY S ome things just run in the family. The thing that runs in the Malbranck family is a love of exquisitely crafted jewellery; the pleasure of creating something of enduring value for clients who treasure the heirloom-quality pieces so much, they pass them down through their own families. Lisa Malbranck is co-owner of the Diamond Gallery with her parents, Anita and Allan Malbranck, and whose grandfather was Al Malbranck of Al's Jewellers, which operated from 1951 to 2008. "We are a modern-day, old-fashioned business, owner- operated and we know our clients by first name," says Lisa. "Whatever work we are completing for a client, whether it's repairing a chain or custom designing an engagement ring, they often share with us that our family puts them at ease and makes them feel comfortable in an area that isn't their specialty." Allan is a certified appraisal professional and he and Lisa are both GIA trained Graduate gemmologists, which means clients receive an unparalleled standard of expertise. Lisa and her father are also designers, specializing in Canadian crafted custom design, and they enjoy re-mounting clients' jewellery — carefully removing their clients' gemstones from old jewellery and creating a new design to set the gems. "We are a vertically integrated business, manufacturing our creations with our hand-picked team of European- trained craftspeople," Lisa says. Technology includes state of the art CAD-CAM, induction casting, laser soldering, or 3D printing to meet the optimum specifications of the particular design at this uniquely Canadian operation. Whether clients are celebrating an engagement or the birth of a child, or memorializing a loved one, customizing jewellery is very personal. One common scenario is the client who wants to create a new piece from precious jewellery passed down from her mother. "The client would like to take the few pieces that she has and have us re-design them into a piece she could wear close to her heart every day to remember her mom. It's technically complex work to re-set jewels into something new, but we are proud of the challenge of A FAMILY GEM Diamond Gallery excels at personal, professional service BY WENDY KING ensuring the design looks intentional. The result is a design that really represents her relationship with her mom, to really pay homage and make a piece that can be handed down through generations," Lisa says. "It's highly emotional. There are often tears, and we receive all kinds of responses to thank us for the great experience and for the happiness of the finished piece." The Malbrancks are keenly aware of the importance of family and community. They're proud to work with a variety of non-profit organizations. Whether it's the arts, youth-based organizations or supporting families in need, they make it a priority to continue to help make Winnipeg thrive. One of their many events includes an annual Mother's Day infant formula drive for Winnipeg Harvest, for which their family matches all the donations. "Our business is owned by three family members, two of whom are mothers. Knowing there is a constant need of formula at our local food banks we wanted to do something for the moms with infants in our community who are going through a difficult time, especially around Mother's Day." They're also an eco-sensitive company, located in a very special building at 1735 Corydon Avenue. "In 2009, we decided to invest into our future in Winnipeg. We are the only retail jeweller in North America to build their own sustainable, geo-thermal building," Lisa says. These attributes and more led to the Diamond Gallery being named the 2017 Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year by the Retail Council of Canada. The honour recognizes vision, innovation and outstanding contributions to the community. "We are from Winnipeg. We believe in Winnipeg," says Lisa. "Winnipeg is home." ■ To learn more, visit diamond-gallery.com Diamond Gallery co-owners Allan, Anita and Lisa Malbranck are the only retail jewellers in North America who have built their own sustainable geo-thermal building. Photo by Darcy Finley Ingrid Misner | aiphotography.com

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