Goldsmith Silversmith

Creating Custom Jewelry for Life

By Angella Arndt

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Jewelry is an accessory that can elevate your look, transform an outfit, and provide a finishing touch. If you’re tired of the same old jewelry designs and want something that is one of a kind, the team at Goldsmith Silversmith would love the opportunity to serve you.

The one-of-a-kind owner of Goldsmith Silversmith is Dwaine Ferguson. During his time in the Navy, he spent a year in San Francisco, where he observed sidewalk vendors selling their own works of art. “I thought I could do that, so I started making metal art sculptures and furniture,” he recalls. During visits to art fairs, he became interested in jewelry, but he didn’t find his passion until he enrolled in a jewelry class at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He began teaching art classes, at UNO, at local high schools, and in his home.

A life-changing event occurred when he received an opportunity to buy out a lease of the Silversmith jewelry store in the Old Market. He jumped in with both feet, and Goldsmith Silversmith opened on February 14, 1974. The business remains in its original location and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Dwaine loves designing jewelry and making people happy. “Only a few people in Omaha do what we do,” he shares. “I don’t see it as a job when it is fun to come to work.”

The custom jewelry process begins with a conversation with one of the designers, who will create a sketch, develop a plan, and provide a quote. “If a client is not sure what they want, they can bring in pictures of things similar to what they have in mind,” Dwaine says.

After preparing a plan, a wax mold is created. When the model is ready, the customer approves the wax replica before it is cast into metal. Any design adjustments can be made at this time. When the design is cast, the metal can be purchased from Goldsmith Silversmith or can be sourced from the customer’s existing gold jewelry.

The final step includes setting the stones and polishing the metal. Customers may provide their own stones or select from a wide selection of loose gemstones at the shop. The entire custom jewelry process takes approximately six to eight weeks.

Customers who want to browse existing pieces will find a wide variety at the shop. Engagement, wedding, fashion, and vintage rings range from simple bands to bold statement pieces. Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are available with different metals, stones, and styles. Dwaine enjoys working with pearls and carries a large selection of pearls and pearl jewelry.

Dwaine also performs soldering and laser welding. This technique is used to repair jewelry, create pieces, and attach components like clasps and earring hooks. Laser welding is a state-of-the-art technology that provides pinpoint precision for intricate repairs on delicate jewelry and on pieces with soft stones like opals, pearls, and colored gemstones.

The small team of designers and jewelers at Goldsmith Silversmith strives to bring their customers’ ideas to life. “We have excellent ideas and can reimagine a family heirloom or design a unique custom piece,” Dwaine says. He recently created a piece using a gold crown from a denture. “I designed a ring in the shape of a crown with diamonds in the band.”

Dwaine’s customer service philosophy is simple. “We provide personal service in a friendly atmosphere. We stand behind our jewelry and take care of any issues.” It means a lot to Dwaine when he hears from long-time customers. “I love it when people who have been married for 20 to 30 years tell me they still love their one-of-a-kind jewelry piece. I also have customers tell me they were stopped by someone who told them how much they loved a piece I designed.”

For those seeking a custom jeweler, Dwaine recommends looking for someone who performs the work in-house. Make sure you know who will be doing the job, and ask to see previous custom designs. Inquire about any warranty offered. How are repairs handled? Routine cleanings? “We do not charge for jewelry cleaning,” Dwaine notes.

When it comes down to it, Dwaine says, he just loves designing pieces that make his customers happy. “It is gratifying to see a young couple become very excited when they pick up an engagement ring. My best advertisement is my customers. They are out there selling my jewelry, every time they wear it.”

Goldsmith Silversmith is located at 1019 Howard Street, in Omaha. The shop is open Monday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and Sunday, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call them at 402-342-1737 or find them online at goldsmithsilversmith.com.

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