The wedding tradition of “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue” has its roots in Victorian England, dating back to the late 1800s. Each part of the rhyme is a wish for a happy marriage, and the items used are believed to bring good fortune and protect the couple from the “evil eye” curse that can cause infertility.
While following this tradition to the letter isn’t a requirement for a happy marriage, it can be a great way to incorporate cherished people, heirlooms, and memories into your special day. Today, this tradition is open to personal interpretation, and offers countless creative ways to incorporate them into your wedding day. Let’s explore how you can transform these elements into your wedding jewelry.
Something old
The “something old” part represents your life before marriage and honors your family heritage. This part of the tradition is all about bringing elements from your past into your future together.
You can wear pieces that not only add a touch of nostalgia but also carry the love and history of your family into your new life. It could be a piece passed down through generations, like a dazzling heirloom diamond tennis necklace or a pair of diamond dangle earrings you’ve inherited from your grandmother.
Something new
The “something new” section of this wedding tradition symbolizes the bright new future that you and your loved one will build together. This is the easiest part to fulfill, as many brides consider their engagement rings and wedding bands as their “new” items. Choosing an engagement ring and wedding band is no simple feat, but with the help of Zadok Jewelers, we can help you come up with the perfect rings for your big day.
Something borrowed
The “something borrowed” involves using an item from a family member or a close friend. By borrowing something from a happily married person, the bride is hoping that that good fortune rubs off on them. You can borrow an Akoya cultured pearl strand necklace from your mother, or borrow a delicate baguette diamond coil bracelet from a dear friend who is happily married.
Something blue
The “something blue” part of this old tradition stands for love, fidelity, and purity. This is also a great way to incorporate a pop of color into your wedding ensemble. There are so many ways to incorporate this part of the tradition into your overall wedding look. You can wear a dazzling blue sapphire tennis necklace, a delicate aquamarine station bracelet, or a stunning London blue topaz earrings to bring a touch of whimsy and color to your wedding.
Sixpence in the shoe
There’s a missing element to this tradition that often gets overlooked: the sixpence. The actual original rhyme goes, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe.” The sixpence, a British coin, symbolizes wealth and prosperity for the couple. While not as common today, some very determined brides would hunt down a sixpence to tuck into their shoe as a nod to tradition.
Whether you need help choosing a wedding band to match engagement ring or finding the bridal jewelry to complete your wedding look, we’re here to help you. Feel free to shop online or visit our Houston showroom to discover the perfect jewelry to complement your wedding day look!
