Fashion
July 25-28, 2004

Town Coverage

By Robert Janjigian

Those familiar with Vail, the Colorado ski resort that, like Aspen, has been marketing itself as a summer destination, know that the town's manhole covers are something special.

With that in mind, the town of Vail has come up with a creative way to raise money for its Art in Public Places program: authentic Vail manhole cover jewelry.

The jewelry accurately portrays (on a significantly smaller scale) the look of the town's manhole cover featuring a "V" logo, the town's founding date and elevation.

Necklaces from Vail's collection of manhole cover jewelry are offered with a sterling silver charm and chain for $80; with sterling silver charm on a rubber chain for $60.

The collection, designed by Vail's J. Cotter Gallery, includes 16 pieces — necklaces, cuff links, bracelets, rings and earrings among them. Prices range from $50 to $130 for the two-toned metal or sterling silver pieces.

"Manhole cover jewelry might sound like an oxymoron, but the jewelry truly is beautiful, very wearable and proceeds will help our town," said Leslie Fickling, coordinator of Vail's Art in Public Places project.

The pieces can be purchased by phone by calling the town offices, (970) 479-2344. Customers can also purchase products online at www.ownapiece ofvail.com.

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