Jackson Hole Jewelry Co. Honors the “Queen of the Tetons”

By Karen Dybis | April 21, 2025

If you have ever visited Grand Teton National Park or are a fan of nature documentaries, you may know Grizzly 399, a bear nicknamed the “queen of the Tetons” among those who enjoyed watching her raise cubs—from a distance, of course.

Jackson Hole Jewelry Co., based in and named for the Wyoming town that’s the gateway to the Tetons, pays tribute to this beloved creature that became the world’s most famous grizzly bear with its newest addition to the brand’s signature Teton Stacking Rings: the 399 Bear ring, priced at $2,600 for 18k rose, white, or yellow gold.

“Grizzly 399 was a legend in Jackson Hole. Her strength, resilience, and maternal instinct captured the hearts of people around the world,” says Jackson Hole Jewelry founder Zachariah Turpin. “She represented the soul of this place—wild, protective, and deeply powerful.”

399 Rings Jackson Hole — *The 399 stacking ring ($2,600), now on preorder and available in May. comes in three different precious metals: 18k yellow, white, or yellow gold.*

Living and working so close to Grand Teton National Park, Turpin followed Grizzly 399’s story along with many other people. The bear raised at least 18 cubs, often taking them near roads or public spaces in the park, and was made famous locally and then internationally through the work of renowned wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen—who considered 399 his muse—and a PBS documentary. Sadly, Grizzly 399 died last October after she was struck by a vehicle on a highway in Snake River Canyon, south of Jackson.

“When she passed, it felt like we lost a part of the valley. But her impact continues, and honoring her felt like the right thing to do,” says Turpin.

He notes the response to Jackson Hole Jewelry’s new 399 ring has been deeply emotional. “Clients connect to her in such a personal way. Some remember seeing her in the wild. Others feel inspired by her story as a mother or a survivor.

“People aren’t just drawn to the design—they’re drawn to what it represents,” Turpin says. “It’s become a meaningful token of remembrance, and it’s sparked conversations that go far beyond jewelry.”

With the 399 ring and the rest of the Teton Stacking collection, as well as other Tetons-inspired pieces by Jackson Hole Jewelry, Turpin offers jewelry that people can wear to remember their travels to Grand Teton National Park and the Jackson Hole area.

*Zachariah Turpin, founder of Jackson Hole Jewelry Co.*

“The Teton stack is about telling meaningful stories through fine jewelry. 399 felt like a natural addition. She brought a different kind of energy—feminine, fierce, nurturing,” Turpin says. “We wanted to create something that was subtle but rich with symbolism, a tribute to her spirit and everything she stood for. It’s a piece that invites people to reflect and remember.”

He plans on creating additional 399 Bear designs over time—likely, necklaces and pieces with gemstones and silver as a metal option.

“We’re continuing to expand the stack with pieces that capture different aspects of this place. Some are inspired by the landscape, others by wildlife or personal moments that leave a lasting mark,” Turpin says. “My goal is to offer clients the ability to curate their own story, one ring at a time. Each addition builds on the emotional foundation we’ve already created.”

Turpin says he will donate 10% of sales of the 399 Bear Stacking Ring to the Grand Teton National Park Foundation. “It’s our way of giving back to the landscape that shaped her story—and ours. Clients appreciate that their purchase supports conservation and legacy in a tangible way,” he says.

Top: Jackson Hole Jewelry Co. has added the 399 Bear ring (bottom) to its Teto Stacking Ring collection. (Photos courtesy of Jackson Hole Jewelry Co.)