*elk ivory piece custom made by Wilderness Mint (https://wildernessmint.com/)
By Rinella Family Outdoors
You will find jewelry in every culture from the beginning of time. In more recent years, jewelry is worn more for trend or simply as an accessory.
However, in most parts of the world and throughout history, jewelry is often worn to symbolize something meaningful or to tell a story.
I will never forget when I slipped on the first ring I ever owned. I was a youthful 15 years old and it was a ring I would wear for the next 10 years; representing my faithfulness to a man I had not yet met, my future husband.
It was replaced a decade later as the man of my dreams dropped to his knee and slipped a new ring onto my finger. I wore it with joy, anticipation and excitement.
That ring was soon affixed to another as we stood before family and friends making a promise; a promise that, in good and hard times we would be joined together.
The hard times came and the fluttery feelings ebbed and flowed. The ring remained a constant reminder that the commitment was to more than one another.
On my other hand I wear 3 small rings, each one etched with the name of a child.
Three silver bands representing the greatest gift of all; the gift of being a parent.
Symbols of love, commitment and the tremendous responsibility.
Jewelry can tell a story, it can be a symbol of something that is special to us, or even tell a little bit about who we are.
My mother wears the most beautiful wedding ring that symbolizes her 50 year (and counting) commitment to my father. It is the diamond he bought her when she was 17 years old and it is set next to an elk ivory that she harvested by his side.
It was Christmas Eve when our daughter got to experience the joy of being able to wear something that tells a story. She carefully unwrapped the small box and inside were a beautiful pair of earrings that her daddy made for her from the shell casing of the first bear and deer she harvested.
A pair of earrings that told the story of family, tradition and legacy.
Two simple posts that hold more memories and significance than anything she could buy at a jewelry store.
One of our greatest joys is being able to show our children the magnificence of their creator though His creation.
The elk is one of His most awe-inspiring works and hidden away within this creature lies a masterpiece: the elk ivory.
A ring, a pair of earrings or a pendant made with these ivories are a beautiful way to enjoy His craftsmanship and to memorialize the hunt in which it was harvested.
We have many ivories, but it is only the most special ones that get to be transformed into something to be worn; the ones that hold the most precious stories.
It is in those earrings, rings or bracelets that we are reminded of the memories made as we hunt together as family.
As I look at my hand, I am reminded of the heritage we have and the legacy we are leaving.
I am reminded of how creation speaks His name.
I am reminded of His provision, both on top of the hill and in the valleys.
