Grizzly 399, the “queen of the Tetons,” has captured the hearts of many with her incredible strength, resilience, and maternal instincts. Her remarkable story is a testament to the wild beauty and power of Grand Teton National Park. In tribute to this iconic bear, Jackson Hole Jewelry Co. has introduced the 399 Bear ring, a stunning addition to the brand’s signature Teton Stacking Rings. The 18k rose, white, or yellow gold ring is priced at $2,600 and will not only adorn the wearer with a symbol of the bear but also inspire conversations about the impact of human presence in the natural world.
- Named by Jackson Hole Jewelry Co. founder Zachariah Turpin, the 399 Bear ring represents the soul of the place—wild, protective, and deeply powerful.
- Turpin followed Grizzly 399’s story closely, often witnessing the bear raise at least 18 cubs in the park.
- Renowned wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen considered Grizzly 399 his muse, and her story was made famous locally and internationally through his work and a PBS documentary.
Grizzly 399 lived a remarkable life, marked by her remarkable strength, resilience, and maternal instincts. She was known to raise at least 18 cubs in the park, often taking them near roads or public spaces, and was made famous locally and internationally through the work of renowned wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen. Mangelsen considered 399 his muse, and her story was featured in a PBS documentary.
“Grizzly 399 was a legend in Jackson Hole. Her strength, resilience, and maternal instinct captured the hearts of people around the world,”
says Zachariah Turpin, founder of Jackson Hole Jewelry Co. Turpin notes that Grizzly 399 represented the soul of the valley—wild, protective, and deeply powerful. She was a true symbol of the natural world, and her legacy continues to inspire people to this day.
**Physical Characteristics:** * Length:** approximately 7 feet * Weight:** around 500 pounds * Color:** dark brown to black |
Grizzly 399’s remarkable life was marked by her incredible strength, resilience, and maternal instincts. She was known for her ability to raise at least 18 cubs in the park, often taking them near roads or public spaces. Her story was made famous locally and internationally through the work of renowned wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen, who considered her his muse.
Sadly, Grizzly 399 died last October after being struck by a vehicle on a highway in Snake River Canyon, south of Jackson. Her passing was met with an outpouring of emotion from people around the world, who remembered her for her strength, resilience, and maternal instincts.
Designed by Zachariah Turpin, the 399 Bear Ring is a stunning addition to Jackson Hole Jewelry Co.’s signature Teton Stacking Rings. The 18k rose, white, or yellow gold ring is priced at $2,600 and features a subtle yet rich design that represents the spirit of Grizzly 399.
When asked about the response to the new 399 Bear Ring, Turpin notes that it 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.” He also highlights that people are drawn to the design, but also to what it represents. “It’s become a meaningful token of remembrance, and it’s sparked conversations that go far beyond jewelry.”
The 399 Bear Ring is not just a piece of jewelry; it’s a tribute to the spirit of Grizzly 399 and the natural world she represented. With the rest of the Teton Stacking collection and 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.
- **Inspired by the Landscape:** Jackson Hole Jewelry Co. offers pieces that capture the essence of the landscape, such as the Teton Stacking Rings.
- **Wildlife-Inspired:** The company also offers pieces inspired by wildlife, such as the 399 Bear Ring.
- **Personal Moments:** Turpin plans to create pieces inspired by personal moments that leave a lasting mark, such as a piece featuring a photo of a special place.
Turpin says he will donate 10% of the 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.”
The 399 Bear Ring is a stunning addition to Jackson Hole Jewelry Co.’s signature Teton Stacking Rings. With its 18k rose, white, or yellow gold design, it represents the spirit of Grizzly 399 and the natural world she represented. As a tribute to this iconic bear, the 399 Bear Ring is a meaningful token of remembrance that will inspire conversations about the impact of human presence in the natural world. In the words of Zachariah Turpin, founder of Jackson Hole Jewelry Co., “People aren’t just drawn to the design—they’re drawn to what it represents. It’s become a meaningful token of remembrance, and it’s sparked conversations that go far beyond jewelry.” The 399 Bear Ring is a testament to the power of nature and the impact it has on our lives. It’s a reminder that we can make a difference by supporting conservation and legacy in a tangible way.