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Something Borrowed, Something Blue Saying
The complete wedding rhyme is "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe." This Victorian-era tradition dates back to the 1800s, with the earliest written reference appearing in an 1871 issue of St. James' Magazine. Originating in Lancashire, England, the rhyme represents tokens that bring good fortune, protection, and prosperity to the marriage. Each item carries specific symbolism: "something old" represents continuity; "something new" symbolizes optimism for the future; "something borrowed" brings good luck from a happily married couple; and "something blue" represents love, purity, and fidelity.
Who Gives the Bride Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue?
Traditionally, these meaningful items are gifted by various important people in the bride's life. Family members often provide "something old," like a mother's or grandmother's jewelry piece. "Something new" typically comes from the groom or the bride's family. "Something borrowed" should come from someone in a successful marriage to transfer their good fortune. "Something blue" can be gifted by anyone close to the bride, though there are no strict rules dictating who must give which item. Modern couples often incorporate their own twist on this tradition, with some partners exchanging items that fulfill multiple categories.
Something Old Ideas
"Something old" is meant to represent the best of a couple's non-married life and the intention to bring that into their marriage. Here are elegant jewelry-focused ways to incorporate this tradition:
- Vintage Jewelry: Wear antique jewelry pieces like necklaces or earrings that have been passed down through generations, connecting your special day to family history.
- Antique Brooches: Incorporate vintage brooches into your wedding attire, either pinned directly to your dress or attached to your bouquet for a sentimental touch.
- Heirloom Jewelry Conversion: Transform family heirloom pieces into modern wearable jewelry by resetting gemstones, converting brooches to pendants, or incorporating elements into new designs.
Something New Ideas
"Something new" represents optimism for the future and the new life the couple will build together. These fresh jewelry pieces symbolize new beginnings and can become future heirlooms:
- Engagement Ring: Your engagement ring naturally fulfills the "something new" requirement, especially if it features contemporary design elements or was recently purchased.
- Wedding Ring: A new wedding band, perhaps with personalized engravings or custom details, perfectly symbolizes your fresh commitment.
- Wedding Jewelry: Special pieces purchased specifically for your wedding day, such as earrings, necklaces, or bracelets that complement your dress and personal style.
Something Borrowed Ideas
"Something borrowed" carries the luck and happiness from a successful marriage to the new bride. Borrowing jewelry from happily married women in your life is thought to transfer their good fortune:
- Family Heirloom Jewelry: Temporarily borrow significant pieces from relatives such as earrings, necklaces, or bracelets that have sentimental value and represent successful marriages.
- Wedding Day Accessories: Incorporate borrowed accessories like hair combs, tiaras, or jewelry that complement your wedding attire while honoring meaningful relationships.
Something Blue Ideas
"Something blue" symbolizes fidelity, purity, and love. The color has been associated with weddings since ancient times and can be incorporated through various gemstone jewelry options:
- Sapphire Jewelry: Sapphires symbolize wisdom, loyalty, and truth — perfect qualities for a marriage foundation. These classic blue gemstones, associated with mental clarity and spiritual insight, make elegant "something blue" options in sapphire earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or rings.
- Aquamarine Jewelry: Aquamarine gemstones represent tranquility and harmony, believed to enhance communication and calm emotions — ideal for wedding day nerves. Their serene light blue hue makes beautiful accent pieces that complement any wedding attire.
- Blue Topaz Jewelry: Blue topaz is linked with strength and protection, offering mental clarity and decision-making support — helpful qualities when making lifelong commitments. Its vibrant color at an accessible price point makes it perfect for statement pieces or subtle accents in your wedding jewelry.
