Since Aug. 1, 1976, Ames Silversmithing has been crafting jewelry and giving back to the Ames community.

Originally from Davenport, Gary Youngberg was not finding value in college. He started school at the University of Iowa, where he learned how to make jewelry in his dorm with a few rudimentary tools, a torch and a book he checked out of the library. After his first year, his girlfriend, now wife, Karen Youngberg, convinced him to transfer to Iowa State. Although he liked the town better, it was not for him, and he changed direction.  

After making some money from art shows, Ames Silversmithing was founded and has grown in the 48 years since then. They have seen a fair amount of expansion and are looking to expand to the building next to their current location.

“It’s been a great ride,” Gary Youngberg said. “You can’t have a great business if you don’t have a great staff, and I do. I’m very, very lucky.”

Ames Silversmithing values giving back to the Ames community. Throughout their time, they have donated to high school after proms, grade school carnivals, the Search Dog Foundation, Canine Companions for Independence, Wounded Warrior, personal fundraisers and others.

“All of these things mean a lot to us,” Gary Youngberg said. “These are our customers. There are people who come in and support us, and we’re eager to give back to them as well. And I get lots of thank you letters. It’s very, very gratifying.”

He emphasized his love for dogs, specifically for the Search Dog Foundation. The foundation takes lively, energetic dogs that are not doing well in a home and turns them into search dogs who rescue people after tragedy.

After a local watch business, Swanks Jewelry, went out of business a couple of years ago,  there was no place for Ames residents to get their watch batteries replaced. Seeing the opportunity to support the community, Gary Youngberg promoted providing a watch battery replacement service.

“We never went into the watch business,” Gary Youngberg said. He explained they didn’t have the room, and he had no desire to work on watches.

“We just decided that if we’re going to do this, why not just generate it as a charity?” Gary Youngberg said.

Initially, the charitable gift was to Ames Wildlife Reclamation to support their mission to care for injured wildlife. This time, they decided to donate to the Ames Animal Shelter.  

“We love our dogs and our pets […] and it’s something you can do locally,” Gary Youngberg said. “We were pleased to write that check.”

Ames Silversmithing has six people in the store who make and design jewelry. A unique feature, as most jewelry stores are buyers and sellers and have to order any custom-designed jewelry. 

Walking into the store, one is greeted right away by welcoming and personable employees. There may even be a dog trotting around the store looking for attention from customers. It fits right in with the Ames community.

For more information, visit their website.