The Amazing Journey of Salmon and How It Inspires Our Jewelry
At Reel AK Jewelry, every piece has a story—and it starts with one of nature’s most incredible journeys: the life cycle of the salmon. Our unique jewelry is a tribute to this remarkable adventure, and here’s how the story unfolds, from river to ocean and back again.
The Beginning: Eggs to Alevin
Did you know that the salmon’s journey begins with a tiny egg nestled in the gravel of a clear, cold river? After about three months, these eggs hatch into alevins, small fish that survive on their yolk sacs. This early stage is a crucial start to their long journey ahead.
Early Stages: Fry and Parr
As alevins grow, they transition into fry, spending 1 to 10 weeks exploring their watery environment. Next comes the parr stage, where they develop distinctive “finger” markings on their sides. These markings help them blend into their surroundings, a vital survival tactic during these formative years.
On the Move: Smolt Stage
After several months, the young salmon enter the smolt stage, which can last from 1 to 3 years. During this time, they begin their migration to the sea. Grouping together, they leave the familiar freshwater environment and adjust to life in saltwater. This stage is a major transition, preparing them for their future adventures in the ocean.
The Ocean Odyssey: Adult Salmon
Once they reach the ocean, adult salmon embark on a remarkable journey that can last from 1 to 6 years, sometimes even 8. During this time, they grow, feed, and build strength for their return trip. Their ocean adventure is a true testament to their endurance and resilience.
Spawners: The Return Home
When the time comes to spawn, these incredible fish return to the rivers of their birth. Using natural cues and pheromones, they navigate back to their spawning grounds. Their mission is simple yet profound: to reproduce and complete the life cycle. After spawning, they die, contributing vital nutrients to the river ecosystem.
Harvesting: From The Rivers
At Reel AK, we start our journey with the salmon by harvesting them from the Kenai River, Kasilof River, and Anchor River. Each method—sport fishing, gill netting, or dip netting—captures a unique aspect of these diverse Alaskan rivers. The famous “Kenai River flip” is just one example of the skill and tradition involved.
Crafting from Nature’s Wonders
We transform the scales of these remarkable fish into beautiful jewelry. After carefully cleaning and preparing the scales, we hand-dye them to enhance their natural beauty and coat them in a protective resin. Each piece of jewelry is a celebration of the salmon’s incredible journey and a tribute to Alaska’s wild beauty.
A Story in Every Piece
So next time you wear a piece of Reel AK Jewelry, remember the amazing journey of the salmon that inspired it. From the river to the sea and back, these fish undertake a remarkable adventure, and we’re honored to capture a piece of that story in our jewelry. Each piece is more than an accessory; it’s a celebration of nature’s resilience and beauty.
