The Golden Bear
About
The Golden Bear has sold its small cast bear in Vail Village since 1975, when founder Lee Kirch opened the store; the company calls the bear The Symbol of Vail Valley. Kristen Busse learned the business from Kirch starting in 2000, took over in 2006 and now owns it with her husband.
It is the place to buy a keepsake that reads as Vail to anyone who knows the valley, whether a first pendant or an addition to a family collection. Tradition says the pendant faces your heart and the earrings face your cheeks.
Made in Vail
The bears are handcrafted in the company's Vail studio by a team of metalsmiths. Pendants are lost-wax cast, while collars, cuffs and hoops are hammered from sheet gold or silver, each with a small cast bear on the back. Metals include 14k and 18k gold and sterling silver, sometimes set with pavé diamonds or sapphires.
The collections
Beyond the signature bears there are polar bears, stone bears, two-tone and hand-hammered pieces, pearl and birthday designs and men's items. The store also sells watches, giftware and home accessories carrying the bear design, and jewelry by outside designers.
Services
New pendant chains can be shortened, a lost bear earring can be replaced singly, and the shop sells watch bands and batteries. Custom pieces are possible, subject to approval by the studio manager. Purchases come boxed with ribbon.
After you get home
The full line is sold online and through a catalog department by phone, so a second piece or a matching gift does not need a return trip.
Sources: about, contact and hours, FAQ, gift wrapping. Checked September 23, 2026.
Contact Information
Vail, 81657
The Golden Bear
The Golden Bear
About The Golden Bear
The Golden Bear has sold its small cast bear in Vail Village since 1975, when founder Lee Kirch opened the store; the company calls the bear The Symbol of Vail Valley. Kristen Busse learned the business from Kirch starting in 2000, took over in 2006 and now owns it with her husband.
It is the place to buy a keepsake that reads as Vail to anyone who knows the valley, whether a first pendant or an addition to a family collection. Tradition says the pendant faces your heart and the earrings face your cheeks.
Made in Vail
The bears are handcrafted in the company's Vail studio by a team of metalsmiths. Pendants are lost-wax cast, while collars, cuffs and hoops are hammered from sheet gold or silver, each with a small cast bear on the back. Metals include 14k and 18k gold and sterling silver, sometimes set with pavé diamonds or sapphires.
The collections
Beyond the signature bears there are polar bears, stone bears, two-tone and hand-hammered pieces, pearl and birthday designs and men's items. The store also sells watches, giftware and home accessories carrying the bear design, and jewelry by outside designers.
Services
New pendant chains can be shortened, a lost bear earring can be replaced singly, and the shop sells watch bands and batteries. Custom pieces are possible, subject to approval by the studio manager. Purchases come boxed with ribbon.
After you get home
The full line is sold online and through a catalog department by phone, so a second piece or a matching gift does not need a return trip.
Sources: about, contact and hours, FAQ, gift wrapping. Checked September 23, 2026.