Borsheims
Borsheims is a Berkshire Hathaway-owned luxury jewelry retailer based in Omaha, Nebraska.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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Overview
Borsheims is a luxury jewelry and watch retailer headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. Its business traces its origins to 1870, when Norwegian immigrant and silversmith Louis Borsheims established an independent jewelry operation. The company later operated under the name Brown and Borsheim before becoming known as Borsheims after Louis A. Borsheim sold his interest in the partnership in 1907. The retailer remained locally rooted through several changes of ownership and family involvement. In 1947, the business was sold to Louis Friedman and Simon Gorelick. Friedman subsequently bought out Gorelick in 1950, while his son Ike joined the company. The Friedman family continued to shape the business for decades: Ike Friedman acquired his father's interest in 1980, and other members of the family and extended family joined the operation during the 1980s. Borsheims moved to Regency Court Mall in 1986, an important step in the development of its modern retail presence. In 1989, Warren Buffett purchased a majority interest in Borsheims, bringing the retailer into Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio. The acquisition made Borsheims the first jewelry company associated with Berkshire Hathaway and connected the store closely with Berkshire's annual shareholder gathering in Omaha. The retailer has been used for events attended by Berkshire shareholders and has been referenced in the investment group's shareholder communications. Its connection to Berkshire gives the store an unusual role that combines local luxury retailing with the public identity of one of the world's best-known holding companies. Leadership transitioned from the Friedman family and other long-serving executives to professional retail management. Donald Yale served as president and chief executive officer until his retirement in 1994, after which Susan Jacques became his successor. Karen Goracke became president and chief executive officer in 2013 and leads the business identified in the available reference material. Borsheims' inventory includes more than 50,000 jewelry and watch pieces, spanning fine jewelry, engagement rings, timepieces, and selected home décor. The brand's positioning rests on a combination of luxury merchandise, broad selection, established local reputation, and association with Berkshire Hathaway. Although its principal physical presence is in Omaha, its Berkshire connection and annual shareholder-weekend activity give it visibility beyond its home market. Available material does not establish a separate publicly traded listing, an independent corporate website, detailed financial results, or a broader international store network.
History
Borsheims' history begins in 1870, when Louis Borsheims, a Norwegian immigrant and silversmith, founded an independent jewelry business in Omaha, Nebraska. The company later became associated with the name Brown and Borsheim. In 1907, Louis A. Borsheim sold his interests in Brown and Borsheim, after which the business developed under the Borsheims name. A major ownership transition occurred in 1947, when Louis Friedman and Simon Gorelick purchased the business. Friedman bought out Gorelick in 1950, and his son Ike joined the company. The Friedman family retained an important role in the retailer's development. Ike Friedman acquired his father's interest in 1980, while his son Alan and sons-in-law joined the business. Donald Yale joined in 1985, and Friedman's daughters Janis Yale and Susie Cohn also worked in the company. Borsheims moved to Regency Court Mall in 1986. In 1989, Warren Buffett acquired a majority of the company's stock, making Borsheims part of Berkshire Hathaway. It became the first jewelry company in Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio and has remained associated with the holding company. The retailer has also served as a venue for Berkshire shareholder-only events held in connection with the conglomerate's annual general meeting in Omaha. The leadership period surrounding the acquisition included several changes. Ike Friedman died in 1991, and Donald Yale was named president and chief executive officer. Yale continued in the role until retiring in 1994, when Susan Jacques became his successor. Karen Goracke became president and chief executive officer in 2013. The business is described as maintaining an inventory of more than 50,000 jewelry and watch pieces, including fine jewelry, engagement rings, timepieces, and home décor.
- 2013
Karen Goracke becomes chief executive
[1]Karen Goracke became Borsheims' president and chief executive officer.
- 1994
Susan Jacques succeeds Donald Yale
[1]After Donald Yale retired as president and chief executive officer, Susan Jacques became his successor.
- 1989
Berkshire Hathaway acquires a majority stake
[1]Warren Buffett purchased a majority of Borsheims stock, adding the retailer to Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio.
- 1986
Move to Regency Court Mall
[1]Borsheims relocated to Regency Court Mall in Omaha.
- 1980
Ike Friedman takes control
[1]Ike Friedman bought out his father and assumed control of the family jewelry business.
- 1950
Louis Friedman buys out Simon Gorelick
[1]Louis Friedman acquired his brother-in-law Simon Gorelick's interest, while Friedman's son Ike joined the business.
- 1947
Ownership passes to Louis Friedman and Simon Gorelick
[1]The jewelry business was sold to Louis Friedman and Simon Gorelick.
- 1907
The business becomes known as Borsheims
[1]Louis A. Borsheim sold his interests in Brown and Borsheim, marking the beginning of the business's development under the Borsheims name.
- 1870
Louis Borsheims establishes the jewelry business
[1]Norwegian immigrant and silversmith Louis Borsheims founded the independent jewelry business that later became Borsheims.
Products and positioning
A locally established luxury jewelry retailer distinguished by its extensive assortment, Omaha heritage, and ownership by Berkshire Hathaway.
Jewelry
Fine jewelry
Borsheims' core assortment consists of fine jewelry sold through its luxury retail operation. The available reference describes the store as maintaining an inventory of more than 50,000 jewelry and watch pieces, indicating a broad selection across jewelry categories rather than a narrow single-product specialty.
Bridal jewelry
Engagement rings
Engagement rings are one of Borsheims' identified retail categories. They form part of the store's bridal and fine-jewelry offering and complement its broader assortment of jewelry and timepieces.
Watches
Timepieces
Borsheims sells timepieces as part of its luxury assortment. Watches are included in the store's stated inventory of more than 50,000 jewelry and watch pieces, alongside fine jewelry and engagement rings.
Home furnishings and gifts
Home décor
Home décor is an additional category identified in descriptions of Borsheims' merchandise. The available material does not specify particular collections, designers, or product lines within this category.
Brand decisions
1989
Berkshire Hathaway majority investmentM&ABackground
Borsheims was an established Omaha jewelry retailer with a history of family ownership when Warren Buffett purchased a majority of its stock.
Action taken
Berkshire Hathaway added Borsheims to its portfolio through the acquisition of a majority interest.
Aftermath
Borsheims became the first jewelry company in Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio and remained associated with Berkshire's Omaha annual-meeting activities.
1986
Relocation to Regency Court MallStrategyBackground
The retailer continued developing its Omaha physical presence after decades of family operation.
Action taken
Borsheims moved to Regency Court Mall.
Aftermath
The relocation established the store at its identified Omaha retail location.
Recent events
Borsheims partners with Lexi Sun[2]
Reported:
Borsheims partnered with University of Nebraska volleyball player Lexi Sun, who will serve as a brand ambassador; the partnership includes social media initiatives and content creation.
Sources2 sources
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