Goldsmith Silversmith

Quality, Originality, and Value

By Marge Shoemaker​

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Dwaine Ferguson, owner of Goldsmith Silversmith, hails from the village of Brewster in Blaine County, Nebraska—the smallest incorporated county seat in the state. Growing up in ranch country, Dwaine learned to read people and rely on the honor of a handshake. As a young man, he honed his artistic abilities by studying architectural draftsmanship. After trying his hand at drafting for companies large and small, he decided the suit-and-tie world wasn’t for him…he needed a better outlet for his creativity.

He started his career as a working artist by traveling to craft shows to sell sculptures of all sizes. “My work was cumbersome…difficult to lug around. I decided smaller was better and ended up making jewelry.” 

In the beginning, he sold most of his wares himself. “I sold a guy 20 rings for 10 dollars each,” Dwaine recalls. “What a deal, right? Years later, a customer came in wearing a ring I recognized from that collection. I asked the man where he got it.” According to the client, Dwaine continues, “he paid a lot more for it than I originally sold it for. I guess I didn’t know the value of my own work!” Dwaine learned a valuable lesson: If you don’t value your own work, then no one else will. 

Dwaine started out at Goldsmith Silversmith doing repair work for the previous owners. Eventually, they wanted to sell. He made an offer, and they accepted. “They said they’d show me the ropes, but they never did,” Dwaine says. “That was over 50 years ago! I’m still here…and still learning.” With his ponytail and Fu Manchu-style mustache, Dwaine is known by some as “the hippie of the Old Market.” 

Quality is a key word at Goldsmith Silversmith. Dwaine attests to the quality materials and workmanship in all items in the shop. Most of his sales staff are artists themselves. “Most of the pieces we sell in the store are one of a kind, designed and made by artists,” Dwaine declares. “Art appreciates in value. Quality lasts!” 

Every artist signs their work. When the piece is too small for a signature, the artist will use an individualized, inconspicuous stamp. (That’s how Dwaine knew for sure that the ring mentioned earlier was his own work.) 

Having passed the final exam from the Gemology Institute of America regarding pearls, Dwaine claims expertise in their use, and he loves to design with them. Recently, he has been investigating lab diamonds (that is, real diamonds that are created in a laboratory instead of dug from a mine). 

While he has his own personal favorites, Dwaine keeps up to date on jewelry trends at large. Gold is always popular. Rose gold is trending. White gold is popular with younger people. Yellow gold is coming back. Diamonds are always a good choice when you buy them from a reputable store or dealer. Some beautiful pieces are made by combining stones. 

Many of the pieces coming from Goldsmith Silversmith are custom designs. Dwaine’s design process begins with a conversation with the client about what is wanted. “I like to talk with people. I learn a lot from casual conversations,” he explains. Inspiration can come from anywhere! “When you come in with a design in mind…if you can imagine it, we can do it.” 

If you don’t have anything in mind, Dwaine will show you the catalogue of designs he’s dreamed up to help you get ideas and spark the creative process. You can choose stones and metals from the selection at the shop, or you can bring in your own and have them designed into a new piece. 

Once you’re done talking it through, Dwaine will makes sketches of your idea for the design…putting those thoughts and ideas on paper. After you approve the sketch and a “ballpark estimate” on the final cost, Dwaine will create a wax mock-up of the design. “This avoids wasting valuable materials,” he points out. “The mock-up can be adjusted by size or even changed in design detail. If a person doesn’t like the piece, they won’t wear it, and that’s a waste!” 

Goldsmith Silversmith will make jewelry repairs when possible. The cost depends on the extent of the damage. Goldsmith Silversmith will always fix a piece that was purchased from them. “When you’re looking for a jeweler,” Dwaine advises, “look for someone you can trust. Ask questions. Be aware. A high price on an item doesn’t necessarily mean a high value! Talk to your experienced friends.”

Goldsmith Silversmith is located at 1019 Howard Street, in the Old Market area. Feel free to drop in or make an appointment by calling 402-342-1737 or texting 402-681-1306. Visit goldsmithsilversmith.com to see samples of gorgeous designs. 

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