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The Story Begins In Omaha, Nebraska

Few other stores have a history like Borsheims. From our humble beginnings in Omaha, Nebraska to becoming a Berkshire Hathaway company with worldwide clientele, our past helps propel us into the future. For more than 150 years, we've been honored to help our customers celebrate their special moments, and we look forward to celebrating many more.

Explore the Borsheims Timeline

Explore the Borsheims Timeline

2020 Carousel

2020

In 2020, Borsheims celebrated our 150th anniversary, and we continue to evolve and innovate to meet our customers' tastes, preferences and needs. Our business philosophy, legendary Borsheims Price and relationships with our customers continue to play an integral part in our success.

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2014

In 2014, Warren Buffett appointed Karen Goracke as President and CEO of Borsheims. Since the 1980s, she had worked in the Shipping, Gift Wrap and Customer Service departments, bought watches and jewelry, and eventually was in charge of buying for the entire store before Warren Buffett chose her to lead the business.

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2006

In 2006 to accommodate our customers' growing needs, Borsheims expanded our space to 62,500 square feet, including a large watch department, china gallery, and a full-service jewelry repair and design shop. Our store maintained more than 100,000 pieces of inventory, and we continue to serve an international clientele spanning 50 states and six continents today.

1907 Carousel

1994

Appointed President and CEO in 1994 by Warren Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, Susan M. Jacques guided Borsheims to substantial growth and increased worldwide prominence. What's more, she gained an unrivaled global reputation within the jewelry industry.

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1986

In 1986, Borsheims had outgrown our 8,000 square feet facility in downtown Omaha and moved to the anchor position in Regency Court with 23,000 square feet. In 1989, renowned investor Warren Buffett purchased a majority stake in Borsheims, making it part of his famous holding company, Berkshire Hathaway. As part of the Berkshire Hathaway family, Borsheims grew exponentially and gained global notoriety.

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1947

In 1947, John and Alfred Borsheim sold the business to Louis Friedman and his son, Ike. While Louis and Ike Friedman kept the Borsheims name, they ushered in a new era of success for the jewelry store. Ike, a dynamic businessman who bought in volume and paid in cash, developed a reputation for passing on the savings to our customers. This business philosophy still guides our company today.

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1922

In 1922, Louis A. Borsheim passed away and the business continued under his wife and two sons, John and Alfred. They moved the store to 1614 Farnam Street in 1926 and renamed it Borsheim's Jewelry, where they specialized in diamond rings, watches, and clocks. For a short time, Borsheim's Jewelry also operated a store in Council Bluffs, Iowa that served as the official watch inspection site for all railcars entering Omaha.

1907 Carousel

1907

In 1907, Louis A. Borsheim sold his interests in Brown and Borsheim and founded a new jewelry store at 506 S. 16th Street known as Louis A. Borsheim, where he sold elegant jewelry and watches, leather goods and novelties, glass vases and bowls, and gold pocket knives and cigar cutters.

1870 Carousel

1870

In 1870, Louis A. Borsheim-a Norwegian immigrant and silversmith-began his independent jewelry business that would later become known as the pre-eminent store in downtown Omaha's shopping district. Brown and Borsheim, located at 222 S. 16th Street, served customers by being expert watchmakers and jewelers with reasonable prices.

Our Logos Through The Years

Vintage Borsheims Advertisements

Our Industry

Craftsmanship

We are the destination for a unique experience in giving and getting gifts. At the forefront of that experience is exceptional customer service every step of the way. We are privileged to share in the special moments in our customer’s lives and are grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of them. We offer a full-service repair department to put the final touches on our own fine jewelry, but also to care for customers’ jewelry repair needs.

Partnership

From up-and-coming indie designers to established names in the fine jewelry & gifts industry, we're proud to work with a vast selection of brands. Our makers combine artistry, heritage and craftsmanship to bring their materials to life, creating gifts designed to be cherished for a lifetime. Our relationship with our makers extends beyond the purchase. From exclusive in-store trunk shows to meet-the-maker events, we celebrate the partnerships that have made us who we are.

Stewardship

Borsheims has long worked to ensure the integrity of the jewelry industry world-wide. By working with suppliers, governments, regulating bodies and other retailers, we've helped to bring strength and honesty to the diamond and gemstone industry. And as an Omaha institution for 150 years, we're committed to giving back to the community that has given us so much.

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