As discussed
in this thread, some of the original rewards in the storyline were things that were meant to have a symbolic meaning, but the game had no way to represent it other than actual gear, gear which generally wasn't useful. It is a bit immersion breaking to take treasured items and sell them at a vendor or break them down for components, which is sadly all they're really useful as.
So, please consider turning some of these items into furniture rewards instead so they can be mounted on walls and appreciated as treasured experiences, rather than responding to "take my sword and remember me" with "thanks, I'll swing by the pawn shop later."