Jewelry is always expensive, but the cost skyrockets when you're talking about the string of pearls between Omaha and Eppley Airfield.

Almost 300 of the lights were smashed when an August hail storm pummeled the area around the airport. The preliminary estimate to replace the lights and the coverings was around $500,000, but the city anticipates spending well under that amount.

City Engineer Todd Pfitzer says the work will begin in April and is a huge long-term cost savings for the city.

"We anticipate within five years we'll have all 700 replaced with the new technology at which point we'll be saving between $120,000 and $150,000 per year for the cost of what it takes to run the lights now."

Much of the savings comes from the new bulbs using 95% less energy and replacement costs with the LED lighting being less than expected.

The damaged lights will be replaced first and should be in place before the Berkshire Hathaway conference opens.