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J Cotter Gallery

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 Vail, 81657

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About

J. Cotter Gallery opened on Wall Street in Vail Village in 1970, four years after Vail itself, and the gallery describes itself as the area's first. Jim Cotter was 25 when he opened it, pouring the concrete floors and building the windows with his father, and for years he made, sold and lived with his work inside it. The gallery is still in that original space.

It suits anyone who thinks of jewelry as sculpture: collectors, people looking for a one-of-a-kind ring or pendant, and couples who want a custom piece made. The gallery's own line is simple: we make what we sell.

The work

The gallery shows Jim Cotter's own jewelry and artwork. He has worked in jewelry since the late 1960s and is known for pairing gold, silver and diamonds with unexpected materials such as steel, concrete, river rocks and found objects. Each piece begins as a wax model and is cast by the lost-wax process in his studio in Minturn, so no two are the same.

Who runs it

Cotter now concentrates on making, while the gallery is led by his daughter, Ramsey Cotter, and a team of long-standing associates. His work is held in museum collections including the Georgia Museum of Art, the Racine Art Museum and the Korean Craft Museum.

Custom pieces

Commissions start with a consultation at the Minturn studio or by phone or video, followed by a wax prototype to try on before casting and setting. Clients often bring heirloom gold or stones to be reworked; the gallery uses recycled metal and offers both natural and lab-grown stones. Typical timing and starting prices are in the FAQ.

Care and repair

The gallery also offers cleaning, care and repair for jewelry, which is worth knowing if a Cotter piece bought years ago needs attention.

Sources: about the gallery, artist bio, customs, jcottergallery.com. Checked September 23, 2026.

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Company Name
J Cotter Gallery
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Location
234 Wall St
Vail, 81657

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About J Cotter Gallery

Quick answer: J Cotter Gallery is a business at 234 Wall St, Vail, CO 81657. J. Cotter Gallery on Wall Street, open since 1970, shows Jim Cotter's one-of-a-kind sculptural jewelry and takes custom commissions.

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J. Cotter Gallery opened on Wall Street in Vail Village in 1970, four years after Vail itself, and the gallery describes itself as the area's first. Jim Cotter was 25 when he opened it, pouring the concrete floors and building the windows with his father, and for years he made, sold and lived with his work inside it. The gallery is still in that original space.

It suits anyone who thinks of jewelry as sculpture: collectors, people looking for a one-of-a-kind ring or pendant, and couples who want a custom piece made. The gallery's own line is simple: we make what we sell.

The work

The gallery shows Jim Cotter's own jewelry and artwork. He has worked in jewelry since the late 1960s and is known for pairing gold, silver and diamonds with unexpected materials such as steel, concrete, river rocks and found objects. Each piece begins as a wax model and is cast by the lost-wax process in his studio in Minturn, so no two are the same.

Who runs it

Cotter now concentrates on making, while the gallery is led by his daughter, Ramsey Cotter, and a team of long-standing associates. His work is held in museum collections including the Georgia Museum of Art, the Racine Art Museum and the Korean Craft Museum.

Custom pieces

Commissions start with a consultation at the Minturn studio or by phone or video, followed by a wax prototype to try on before casting and setting. Clients often bring heirloom gold or stones to be reworked; the gallery uses recycled metal and offers both natural and lab-grown stones. Typical timing and starting prices are in the FAQ.

Care and repair

The gallery also offers cleaning, care and repair for jewelry, which is worth knowing if a Cotter piece bought years ago needs attention.

Sources: about the gallery, artist bio, customs, jcottergallery.com. Checked September 23, 2026.

Art Galleries Jewelry shopping shopping/jewelry-watches shopping/art-galleries shopping/vail-village
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Business Hours

Open daily · 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is J. Cotter Gallery?
On Wall Street in Vail Village, at 234 Wall St, Vail, CO 81657, in the same location since the gallery opened in 1970.
What does J. Cotter Gallery sell?
One-of-a-kind, handmade contemporary jewelry, rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets/cuffs in gold and sterling silver, plus artwork and sculpture. Jim Cotter's pieces pair precious metals and diamonds with unexpected materials such as steel, concrete and river rocks, and each is cast by the lost-wax process in his Minturn studio, so no two are the same.
Can I commission a custom piece, and how long does it take and cost?
Yes. A custom piece typically takes 4 to 6 weeks after the design is confirmed, and customs typically start at $500, rising with materials and time.
Do I need to come to the studio in person for a custom piece?
No. Consultations can be held over the phone or by video call, and the gallery can text or email photos throughout the process. Set one up by emailing [email protected].
Can I reuse my own gold or gemstones?
Yes. The gallery reincorporates heirloom jewelry and clients' own silver, gold and gemstones, and has also worked with found objects clients bring in. All of its work uses recycled metal.
Are engravings available?
Yes. Engravings are offered with fully customizable fonts and styles.
Does the gallery offer lab-grown diamonds?
Yes. It offers a large selection of both lab-grown and natural gemstones and diamonds, has worked to ensure ethically sourced stones since 1998, and uses recycled metal in all its work.
Can I buy online and have a piece shipped?
Yes, through the online shop at jcottergallery.com. Domestic shipping is FedEx Overnight ($40) or FedEx 2-Day ($25), signature required; shipments cannot go to P.O. Boxes or APO/FPO/DPO addresses, and international buyers are responsible for duties and taxes.
Does the gallery clean, resize or repair jewelry?
Yes, professional resizing, cleaning, polishing, appraisals and repair for most J. Cotter Gallery products, with settings checks recommended every 6 months. Only an authorized J. Cotter jeweler can work on a piece; arrange it with the studio at (970) 827-4222 or [email protected].
What are the hours?
The gallery does not publish its hours on its official website. Call (970) 476-3131 before you visit.

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