Recycled Rings and Other Things

First, a big thank you to Jacob's Grandma Peg for providing us with a really beautiful ring. It was a gift to her from her husband, the late Grandpa Tom to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.

There's lots of things we like about it. It was a gift with meaning and love which made me feel very welcomed by the Fredregill family. Starting off with a symbol of 25 years of fidelity always before us seems like a good way to go.

We were also aware that investing in a new ring meant paying special attention to where its materials came from. Precious stones are often the way guerilla organziations in unstable countries, particualrly in Africa, finance civil wars. Mining camps in Angola, Burma, Liberia and Sierra Leone are sites of massive human rights violations, including forced amputation and child labor infringement.

For those looking, some alternatives include Green Karat and Leber Jewelers. Look for Canadian diamonds and recycled gold. Also, be aware that if you don't know the country it came from, it isn't clean. De Beers, the London warehouse, is where most jewelers get their gems. The company doesn't keep records of where the diamonds are mined so they certify them all as clean. Go figure.

See this article for more on de Beers.

Welcome

Jacob and I wanted to start this up for a few reasons. First, it's a great way to keep our far-away family and friends connected to everything happening in the next year. We hope to include information about the wedding, where we register as well as stories and pictures from this preparation time.

We also want to share with those closest to us the kind of practices we hope to embody as a couple. In January everyone will be asked an important question, "will all you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?" When you say "we will" we want you to know the ways you can encourage, challenge and bless us as you go about your upholding.

As Christians, one of those most basic practices has to do with how we use the resources of God's created order. The Book of Common Prayer also tells us that "the bond and covenant of marriage was established in creation." We want our wedding to be the first sign and first fruit of our belief in the abundance and the responsibility of caring for creation.

Our last hope for this little project is that it will be a resource for others who hope to celebrate the first day of marriage in a way that leaves little impact on the earth. We won't get everything right. There are lots of other ways to have a wedding. Our hope is that you will travel through this time with us, provide your feedback and pray for us each day.

Thanks for tuning in!

Melissa