Despite a late snow and some milder temperatures, holiday excitement is well and truly underway at GNM Fine Jewellers in Steinbach.

“It’s that season again, even though it’s been kind of brown outside,” says Nick Lanteigne, Sales Manager at GNM. “We’re coming up on Christmas and starting to see shoppers come in and look for those special gifts.”

Or, more than gifts.

“Believe it or not,” Lanteigne points out, “Christmas is the most popular time of year to get engaged.”

Oval Solitaire engagement rings have been a big seller at the store through the autumn, something Lanteigne thinks is down to the timelessness of the piece.

“You have one diamond. It’s simple, but in 40 years it’s still going to be as amazing a ring as it is today,” he says.

Ethically-produced lab-grown diamonds have also been a hit, particularly with younger customers. Physically, the make-up of a lab-grown diamond is the same as its natural counterpart. Both are pure carbon, the only difference being the presence of nitrogen in the latter. That, and the price point.

“Buyers can get that dream diamond for a much better price,” explains Lanteigne. “Our lab-grown diamonds are also certified with serial numbers.”

The interior of GNM Fine Jewellers storeGNM Fine Jewellers' moved into a brand-new store at 375 Main Street in Steinbach earlier this year

It’s helping bridal shoppers that make Lanteigne’s work especially fulfilling.

“Lots of guys will come in to buy something that’s very expensive. They have no idea,” he says. “So I try to educate them as best I can, help them understand what they’re buying, and do it all transparently without that ‘pushy-car-salesman’ thing. Helping someone find the right product at their price point is what I probably enjoy the most.”

The GNM Fine Jewellers staff is also enjoying the store’s new location at 375 Main St. in Steinbach, where they’ve been since the spring after relocating out of the mall.

“It’s still pretty new to us,” admits Lanteigne. “This is our first holiday season in the new store. We have way more space.”

Upon entering GNM, Lanteigne explains, a shopper will first see the Pandora section on the right-hand side, which is followed by an island of silver jewelry, most pieces $200 or less. To the left is the watch section, where a customer can browse timepieces ranging from $100 to $3,000. The bridal island is in the centre of the store, and nearer the back is the gold and diamond jewelry, earrings, pendants and various other items.

“We have it really well organized,” he says. “There’s a lot of choice.”

Lanteigne takes pride in being able to differentiate GNM from the chain stores, which, he says, can often focus more on quarterly statements than helping a customer find the perfect solution that meets what they can afford.

It’s a personal touch that also has its rewards.

“I’ll get to go to weddings or see people starting their lives together – journeys that started at our store,” says Lanteigne. “That’s really, really exciting. It’s a fun industry.”

GNM Jewellers can be reached by calling (204) 326-3917, and their products can be browsed on their website. Previous and prospective customers can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.