History

The roots of Ames Silversmithing were put down in 1976 with $1,500 and a dream. Disenchanted with college, Gary Youngberg was searching for some direction in his life. Gary had always loved rocks and gems and had even taught himself how to make jewelry while in college. Gary eventually decided to leave college after two years and, in August 1976, Gary and his fiancee Karen, opened Ames Silversmithing in downtown Ames, Iowa.

Originally working in silver and semi-precious stones, Gary worked diligently, producing his one-of-a-kind jewelry creations. These pieces were sold not only in the store, but also at various art fairs around the area. As business grew, both Gary and Karen received their diamond training through the Gemological Institute of America, the leading gemological laboratory in the world. Soon, Gary was working in gold, platinum, and diamonds as well as an extensive selection of precious and semi-precious colored gemstones..

1976

In August 1976, Gary and his fiancee Karen, opened Ames Silversmithing in downtown Ames, Iowa.

1977

Ames Silversmithing moved to a larger location at 220 Main in downtown Ames.

1981

Dave Anderson joined the Ames Silversmithing team. In addition to being trained through GIA, Dave's artistic talent and technical abilities are without peer.

1990

Ames Silversmithing completed yet another expansion, this time more than doubling their size. This was accomplished by building a completely new facility on their old site. Shortly after this expansion, Scott Sorem joined Ames Silversmithing. Scott also is trained through GIA not only in diamonds, but jewelry design as well.

2000

It was soon apparent that Ames Silversmithing would again need to expand. This expansion made room for two more workbenches, thus allowing four full-time artists to design and create their jewelry. In addition, a second generation joined the staff at Ames Silversmithing.

2003

Kyle, 40, joined the staff in 2003 after attending the University of Kansas for three years and then returning home, graduating from Iowa State University in business. Kyle works not only in sales and customer relations, but also in inventory management and administration. Kirk, 38, explored college for 2 years, but in 2003 joined the team and brings an exciting and refreshing perspective to the bench in his jewelry designs. In addition, both Kyle and Kirk took their educations further and received their diamond training and degrees from the Gemological Institute of America. Kyle's wife, Katie Youngberg, has also been a part of the business for over a decade now and is an asset to the team armed with her degree from GIA and impeccable taste and fashion sense.

2005

Ames Silversmithing expanded again! The purchase of a property adjacent to the store allowed for the expansion of both the retail and work areas. The extra space enabled them to completely re-design the retail area with all new showcases and interior displays. The extra space has been a benefit to not only the staff, but for our customers as well.

2012

Katie Sutton joined our staff and was originally involved in sales, inventory management and customer relations. After receiving her diamond training through GIA, she then upped her game even further and is now working at the bench doing repair work, jewelry design, and honing her creation skills.

2014

The addition of Isaac Prior brought a new dimension to design at Ames Silversmithing. A graphic artist by trade, Isaac soon developed his niche in jewelry design and creation and brought the Ames Silversmithing team of designers to eight. In addition, Isaac also received his diamond training through the Gemological Institute of America.

2016

Our newest addition, Cassie Underwood, joined the team part-time while completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and currently uses her skills to create marketing content, manage creative assets, aid in developing website and social media content as well as assisting with sales and inventory management. She is currently enrolled to complete her diamond certification through the Gemological Institute of America.

As Ames Silversmithing continues to grow, we'd like to thank you, our customers, for trusting and believing in what we do. Your support has allowed us to have vision, to become the artists we so dearly love to be and for this we say, from the bottom of our hearts, "Thank you!"