The Golden Bear

As a guy it’s difficult finding unique jewelry that’s not a basic chain or pendant. I didn’t plan on stopping in The Golden Bear, but I’m so glad I did! Tucked away in the back corner is a cabinet filled with stunning oxidized sterling silver jewelry, and some with gold or pearl accents. Denise helped me, and she was wonderful! I ended up getting the oxidized silver and gray Tahitian pearl necklace with 14k gold accent links. I greatly appreciate her thought of pulling the other necklace from the back, in addition to the display case one, so I could choose the pearl. It was a wonderful gesture that made the experience and piece more personal; I ended up choosing the one from the back. I would definitely recommend The Golden Bear and it’ll be a place I come back to when in Vail!

I received a medium bear necklace for my birthday that was shipped to our home in IL. I wanted a shorter chain so I returned the original in the mail. Once Golden Bear received the package, I was contacted and immediately able to choose the small bear 17" necklace I wanted. They credited our account quickly and I received the replacement yesterday. I love love love this necklace! Their service was top notch and the necklace is even more beautiful than anticipated! Thank you!!!!

I live in the valley for over 10 years now and today was my third time going to the store and I will say costumer service is TOP! Always happy to show what they have. Today I bought a necklace for my best friend who use to live in Vail and she moved to another continent 5 years ago. I will be visiting her soon and the best gift for her is a little piece of Vail / Golden Bear! The sales lady got So Excited to find the best gift for her. I did forgot the sales lady name but Thank you 🙏 ❤️ 🧸

The Golden Bear Vail is an absolute treasure, and it’s no wonder this iconic jewelry shop earns a glowing 5 stars! Nestled in the heart of Vail Village, this boutique has been a beloved staple since 1975, and stepping inside feels like uncovering a piece of Vail’s soul. Their signature bear designs—handcrafted right here in their Vail studio—are pure perfection. I picked up a stunning 14k yellow gold Mama Bear necklace, and the craftsmanship is breathtaking. The way the gold catches the light and the bear’s charming silhouette make it a standout piece I’ll cherish forever. The selection is incredible, from delicate diamond-studded pendants to bold sterling silver cuffs—there’s something for every style and budget. Beyond the bears, they showcase gorgeous pieces from top designers, each displayed with such care that browsing feels like a mini art gallery visit. The staff? Absolute gems. They’re warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited to help you find the perfect keepsake, whether it’s a gift or a treat for yourself. I was blown away by their free cleaning and polishing service for past purchases—talk about customer care! The Golden Bear isn’t just a store; it’s a Vail tradition that captures the spirit of the mountains. Every visit leaves me smiling, and my new necklace is already sparking compliments. This place is a must-stop for anyone wanting a piece of Vail magic—5 stars without a doubt!

Very disappointed in our beloved Golden Bear. My family member brought her 25 year old golden bear earrings for repair to the place we thought could be trusted most, only to be extremely disappointed. Her pave bear dangle earrings had a broken hoop that could have been easily repaired. The original hoop had beautiful details with pave diamonds on the hoops themselves, nothing like the current simple hoop editions. Golden Bear swapped out both pave earring hoops with current very simple hoops, not resembling the original hoops whatsoever. This swap of hoops was never discussed with my family member as we would have most definitely taken the earrings elsewhere to be repaired. When this was brought to the store manager’s attention, she denied that the hoops were changed and that they were the original hoops. Making no effort to correct this mistake. As our family have been buyers from Golden Bear for over 25 years, we’re very disappointed in the dishonesty that we received. Take your jewelry repairs elsewhere! Update: after receiving a reply to my original review, we called the number provided. Only to speak with the same manager (Valentina) who still denied that the earrings were altered in anyway. Very dishonest business and so disheartening to receive this poor customer service from a staple store of Vail. Only if we had taken photos of our original heirloom earrings we would have proof of this deceit. But never did a situation like this cross our minds when taking our sentimental jewelry to the original maker that we thought we could trust. After buying jewelry from golden Bear over the last 30 years, our family will no longer bring repairs or make further purchases from this dishonest company.

I’ve thought multiple Golden Bears. Staff is helpful and great to find the perfect gift idea!

When my best friend moved to Vail 2 years ago and came home with an adorable little gold bear necklace, I knew I just had to have one. I was finally able to make a trip up here and was so excited to get my very own! Too bad the ladies working there wouldn't give me the time of day. As a former sales manager in Las Vegas, customer service is paramount to me. I walked in knowing exactly what I wanted but the conversation the associates were having amongst the two of them was much more important than my sale. This was the first time in my life I have stood there making eye contact with an employee and was completely ignored. My mother found a gorgeous green bag, the leather was so soft. But unfortunately, the quality of the bag was not enough to make up for the lackluster customer service. By the time an associate opened the case for me, I was over it. I really hope that purse and 3 gold bear necklaces we were going to purchase find a good home because I personally could not give this business my money.

I have never written a review before! I work retail ~ I bought my daughter a necklace and she wore it once and it broke. We took it in to have it repaired, and I felt like we were treated very poorly or like we were not worthy...They wanted to charge her $10 to fix (she wore one time), has had for 10 days. Once I intervened, and spoke with the woman, she was willing to at least consider not charging us. In the end they did just replace it, but the feeling and the way we were treated was unfriendly. A manager did kindly finish the transaction.

We have been going to the Golden Bear since 1988. We used to love the place, but there is one person who is terrible. There is one particular woman with blonde hair (real?) who acts like she's in charge. She is extremely rude and goes out of her way to not be helpful. We stopped going there a few years ago because we didn't want to deal with her. Today we had to stop there to pick something up for a friend and we knew it was ready to go. Our friend had received several notifications that it was ready. But when we went there this woman made a point of insisting that it wasn't there. When we pointed out that it was sitting at the front desk in a bag (we could see the bag) she insisted that nothing is ever held at the front desk and turned her back on us. Fortunately there are some friendly staff people who are helpful and someone else had to take care of it since nasty one refused to even look our way anymore. Avoid her at all cost!

Beautiful well made pieces. Have waited many years to finally get to visit. Ladies inside are very helpful. Lots of inventory in different price ranges.

This is a cute shop. Lots of wonderful bear shaped pendants, bangles, earrings. Such a great keepsake from Vail. My friend where's different length pendants of the bear. Vail is a great resort town, even in the late summer to fall too. Jewelry that's cute on kids to adults.

I love this store! We visit the one in Vail Village. Our salesperson, Ali. Was so very helpful and thoughtful. She made a very difficult personal purchase very easy for our family we will definitely go back soon.

I was interested in some jewelry and was looking through a case while waiting for a clerk. A customer and clerk rudely get in front of me to open the case so that customer could get what she wanted. The clerk literally looked me up and down, ignored me, and helped the customer. You must think that because I have tattoos and was wearing jeans and a t-shirt I couldn't afford your over priced garbage. You should be ashamed of yourselves and how you treat people. I certainly wont be back.

My Mom Reyne from Denver loves this store and has purchased multiple pieces for herself and as gifts for friends and family over the past 15 years. Recently one of her favorite bracelets needed repair and she dropped off the piece in September. Unfortunately she was informed of the late designer, and that her bracelet couldn't be repaired. So they returned the old bracelet. However, hearing the disappointment in my moms voice they went above and beyond by offering a brand new bracelet. What great customer service! My Mom loves her bracelet and this store and she was so pleased with how they handled her unique situation. Thanks Golden Bear! Keep up the hospitality because it doesn't go unnoticed. You've kept a customer for life. Shout out to Denise and Trudy!

The Golden Bear holds a very special place in my heart. My grandmother purchased my first necklace when I was little and it's remained a staple in my life. I have to say the service there is wonderful. We stop in every year to buy a piece to add to the collection. We're mostly there in the summer time (dressed down in summer hiking gear) and I've never felt like they've judged me upon coming in. The ladies there are so friendly and attentive. There was an occasion when I wanted to think about my purchase and the ladies treated me no differently. There was no pressure (they aren't commissioned from what I understand). We came back after lunch to purchase the item. The prices at The Golden Bear are comparable to any high end jewelry with quality to match. None of my pieces have tarnished, broken, or warped in some way. You definitely won't be unhappy with the jewelry, glassware, or any other items they have to offer. Additional, I love that they offer complimentary jewelry cleaning if your pieces need it. If you want a deeper polish, it's still complimentary but you pay postage to have them sent back. If you're in the area longer, you can pick them up. If you've not ever been to Vail (or you have) and want something special to remember it by, this is the place to look at. Put down the cheesy Colorado fleecy and get something that will last a lifetime...in both style and quality.

It is sad that you have to give one star to post a rating! I have shopped with The Golden Bear since 1979, I have purchased may items and always stop in when I'm in Vail. My late husband shopped for me as well. I have 4 daughters who all have loved this store and continually purchase from them. In the past I have had a few complaints which I have after some push back been able to resolve but this last one is a deal breaker. I purchased 2 bracelets for 2 of my daughters and commented on making a purchase of 2 more in the next couple of weeks. I also made a purchase for myself on that visit with a couple of service items. When I called to find out about my service item the associate was in a hurry, I was going to purchase the other two bracelets over the phone but was rushed off and told they would call me back. This was a holiday weekend so I didn't call back until Tuesday. I tried to purchase two bracelets over the phone but found that the price had increased 24 hours ago. They would not honor the price! They were not interested in closing a 2 bracelet sale. I work for a nationally renowned jewelry store and I am shocked that a small accommodation could not be made to keep a longtime and loyal customer. My girls and I are sad that I will no longer be excited to stop in and shop.

I love Golden Bear. Such fun pieces -- that nicely transition from work to casual. I have come to shop on line to avoid the snotty service.

We were here on Valentines Day. My wife wanted a bracelet and earrings. However, two men came in the store after, we arrived and they were greeted and helped before us. We decided to leave and went across the pebble stone road and were treated quite nicely by the Jeweler. I guess Golden Bear didn't want our $7,500! Oh well.

High quality gold jewelry all about the bear. The women in my family each wear a bear. There's Papa, Mama, Sister, and Baby bear. They can be adorn with earrings, necklace, or bracelets. Wear the bear with the nose pointed towards your heart. The tradition started off because the mom of the family used to her two kids into Vail for a weekend adventure after her divorce. Jewelery from here is the making for heirlooms.

I wear my white gold baby bear from the golden bear almost EVERY day. HIGH quality, considering I usually don't take it off and it has been around my neck for almost a year now, looks brand new! I wish I could afford more, the baby bear was a nice gift from my "bear" :) The people working here were very friendly and I love getting the catalog every so often, reminds me of my trip to Vail!!!!

Kristen and Deborah are the bomb.... Very helpful and customer oriented... They always support whatever I order... My wife loves their jewelry and wherever I order from... They always deliver. Love this place!!!

Designs: The bear is adorable! Designs are pretty. Customer service: Store clerks are friendly. Prices: Ridiculously over-priced. Quality: Surprisingly poor - Silver is cheap; tarnishes quickly Overall: Disappointing. Don't recommend.

I have been a customer of the Golden bear since the early 90s. I recently needed help with old receipts regarding an insurance claim. After spending thousands of dollars at the store, I was asked to pay the postage to have the receipts sent to me. The cover letter was not even addressed to me! It was another name completely. The receipts are not complete and the staff is not helpful. The jewelry is lovely, but overpriced. I love Vail and had always enjoyed purchasing things from the Golden bear as Vail tugs at my heart. However, I believe I am over it as I can take my money to other places and have better customer service!

What a great place with very nice people. Have been going there many years when we ski and always great. I asked about an item today and if they had it in another option and they told me they would make it for me. Awesome!

A signature Vail item. You should make sure you stop in this lovely gallery/shop in the Vail Village. Sign up to receive their catalog or pick up one of the little bears as a token of your trip to the mountains. Excellent customer service and notable items.

That Dana woman is a blast! She was so helpful to me and greeted me right away. Golden Bear is and will always be an iconic Vail store.