Jackson Hole Jewelry Co., a fine jewelry brand rooted in the Wyoming town near Grand Teton National Park, has released a new piece honoring one of the region’s most iconic wild animals—Grizzly 399. Known as the “Queen of the Tetons,” the beloved bear is now the inspiration behind the brand’s latest addition to its Teton Stacking Rings: the 399 Bear Ring.
The ring is crafted in 18-karat rose, white, or yellow gold and is priced at $2,600.
“Grizzly 399 was a legend in Jackson Hole,” said Zachariah Turpin, founder of Jackson Hole Jewelry Co. “Her strength, resilience, and maternal instinct captured the hearts of people all over the world. She truly represented the soul of this place—wild, protective, and deeply powerful.”
Grizzly 399 rose to fame as she raised more than 18 cubs over the years, often bringing them close to roads and park visitors. Her presence in public spaces made her a favorite of tourists and wildlife photographers alike. One of her most notable followers was photographer Tom Mangelsen, who called her his muse. She was also featured in a PBS documentary.
Sadly, the bear died in October after being hit by a vehicle on a highway in Snake River Canyon, just south of Jackson. Her death left a noticeable absence in the community.
“When she passed, it felt like a part of the valley was gone,” said Turpin. “But her legacy lives on, and honoring her with a ring felt like the right thing to do.”
Turpin said the emotional response to the 399 Bear Ring has been overwhelming. Many clients feel a personal connection to the bear—some remember seeing her in the wild, while others admire her strength and motherhood.
“People are drawn not only to the ring’s design, but also to what it stands for,” he said. “It has become a symbol of remembrance, and it’s opened up meaningful conversations that go beyond jewelry.”
The 399 Bear Ring joins the rest of Jackson Hole Jewelry’s Teton Stacking collection, which features designs inspired by the surrounding landscape and wildlife. Turpin sees the jewelry as a way for people to carry memories of their time in Grand Teton National Park.
“The Teton stack is about telling meaningful stories through fine jewelry,” he said. “Grizzly 399 was a natural fit. She brought a different energy—feminine, fierce, and nurturing. We wanted something subtle but symbolic, a tribute to her spirit.”
Turpin plans to expand the 399 collection with new designs, including necklaces and pieces made from silver and gemstones. These future additions will continue the theme of storytelling through jewelry.
“We’re adding pieces that reflect different parts of this place,” he said. “Some capture the landscape. Others are inspired by wildlife or personal experiences that stay with people. My goal is to help clients tell their own story—one ring at a time.”
As part of the tribute, Jackson Hole Jewelry Co. will donate 10% of all 399 Bear Ring sales to the Grand Teton National Park Foundation.
“This is our way of giving back to the land that shaped her story—and ours,” said Turpin. “Clients appreciate knowing their purchase supports conservation and legacy in a real, lasting way.”
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