Vantage Point

Custom Gems

Feel the Lure of Gemstones

By Linda Sutherland

Precious stones, semi-precious stones, crystals, geodes, fossils, minerals, silver, gold, rocks, carvings, cabochons—you’ll find it all at Custom Gems, Omaha’s most fascinating gemstone store. I have always been drawn to rocks and stones and gems. I’ve spent many wondrous times combing beaches and searching for glittering stones, and I have quite the collection to prove it, but to say that I was filled with awe and wonder upon first walking into this gorgeous shop is an understatement! Tim Kautsch, the proud owner and truly knowledgeable proprietor of Custom Gems, gave me a tour. There is so much here to take in! It will surely take several visits to get the full effect and absorb all that resides within the walls of this quality shop. When I say “quality,” I mean museum-quality pieces that are tucked in and around this treasure chest of a store.

Tim is a Gemologist who purchased Custom Gems in 2009. He had previously been the manager of the store, so he knew his stuff long before he took the reins. Originally, the store was owned by Ed and Erma Pharoah, who shared a passion for rocks and minerals. Ed was an earth science teacher whose hobby of rock collecting and love of minerals led them to open the store in 1975. Erma taught silversmithing classes at the store and Ed taught lapidary classes.

What is lapidary, you ask? It is the art and process involved in cutting, polishing, grinding, and engraving gems. The word comes from “lapis,” which is Latin for “stone,” and the earliest roots of lapidary may date back as far as a million years. Some people have long believed that certain precious stones could possess powers of healing and health benefits. Regardless of what you believe, there is no denying that few of us can resist the lure of precious stones.

When the Pharoahs retired from Custom Gems, a “rockhound” by the name of Chuck Swanson became the next owner, making beautiful custom jewelry. Now, Tim works side-by-side with his brother, Kevin. Along with the craftsmen on their team, they have created a magical place.

At first glance, you would never know how many services they provide at Custom Gems. Tim offers custom jewelry design and jewelry repair, ring sizing, stone cutting and polishing, gem and stone setting, rock tumbling, laser welding, bead stringing, and so much more. They can create the perfect unique engagement and wedding rings based on your own design ideas.

One of their specialties is refashioning outdated or unworn pieces into new pieces that offer sentimental value and are a pleasure to wear. “In most cases, jewelry designing is a sentimental journey,” Tim says. “We can create custom pieces or reuse old gems and stones that were family heirlooms and make them fashionable again.” The talented staff members at Custom Gems have a combined 54 years of experience. They all seem to have one thing in common: dedication to their craft.

Tim has a genuine love for things that come from the earth. He combines that with his uncanny ability to interpret what his customers want him to create with distinction and the utmost care. Tim loves many things about his work, but what he loves best is “giving our customers a great experience and seeing that they are pleased with their creation.” This dedication to their customers is what drives people back to Custom Gems again and again. “Customers are the boss, and we want each one to have a unique, honest, and happy encounter here.”

Tim and his staff are very knowledgeable on the history of fossils, geodes, gems, and other fascinating items that reside in this shop. As they say at Custom Gems, they’re “more than just gems!” Besides a stunning inventory of fossils and minerals, they also have all the tools and supplies you would need to make your own jewelry.

Whether you choose to purchase a pre-made item, commission a custom piece, or create your own jewelry, there’s no denying that gemstone jewelry makes a wonderful gift. For extra sentimental value, you can choose a birthstone or another stone that has special meaning to you and your recipient. Of course, you can always select a piece solely for its exquisite beauty!

At Custom Gems, you’ll find amethyst, citrine, rose quartz, quartz, obsidian, agates, tourmaline, hematite, aventurine, jasper, jade, aquamarine, diamonds, tiger’s eye, opals, topaz, and so much more. We all need some gems in life! Check them out online at customgemsomaha.com or visit the store at 8487 Frederick Street, in Omaha. They are open Monday through Saturday and are currently offering curbside drop-off and pick-up for repairs and in-store browsing with certain limitations. Please call 402-397-9606 for more information.