Golden Bear

Lee Kirch, founder of The Golden Bear, created an everlasting tradition when she opened her Vail Village boutique in 1975. The Golden Bear’s exclusive design was quickly adopted as The Symbol of Vail Valley® by locals and visitors alike and has unofficially represented the Vail Valley ever since. Today, The Golden Bear is owned and operated by Kristen Busse. Originally from Maryland, Kristen learned the long-standing traditions of The Golden Bear from Lee for five years before taking the reins. As her legacy of outstanding customer service continues, Lee Kirch is still a close friend and advisor to everyone at The Golden Bear.

The Golden Bear tradition, which began with the design of the first Mama Bear pendant, has grown into a vast line of Golden Bear jewelry and gift items. Our Golden Bears are handcrafted in our Vail studio by a team of skilled metalsmiths and are created in several sizes and styles of pendants, rings, bracelets and earrings. Precious metals such as 14k and 18k yellow and white gold, sterling silver and platinum are used to create our jewelry. Diamonds and other precious stones are often used to adorn our jewelry for added style and distinction.

Our Golden Bear jewelry is displayed in our Vail Village store with the same artistry and care in which it is created. Fine fabrics, antiques and other unique treasures are used as props, creating an exceptional gallery of fine jewelry. Amidst displays of our own Golden Bear designs are exquisite collections of jewelry by well-known designers such as John Hardy, Slane & Slane and Roberto Coin. Time is certainly well spent viewing our wonderful jewelry designs in our Vail store.

The prominence of The Golden Bear has allowed us to introduce an ever-growing line of giftware and home accessories. Naturally, all of our giftware items are adorned with our signature Bear design, making our gift and home accessory selection truly unique.

Our website introduces you to our original Golden Bear designs and our latest Golden Bear creations. We thank you for visiting us online and hope you enjoy our special Golden Bears.