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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
The Iconic Borsheims Box
The sparkle in his eyes. The racing of her heart. The smiles on their faces. There’s something about a gift from Borsheims. And it begins the second they see our signature silver box with a burgundy ribbon. It is our pleasure to provide this complimentary service for any items purchased from Borsheims or borsheims.com. In addition to our distinctive gift wrap, your gift can also be personalized with a free enclosure card during check out.
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