White_Gold_Wedding_Ring

Something Borrowed & Something Blue: Meaning And Ideas

Wondering what’s the deal with the something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue? We’re breaking down this popular wedding tradition and giving team bride some ideas on what to gift the soon-to-be Mrs!

A wedding ring

What’s The Origin of Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue?

This tradition originated in Victorian England. It’s based on an old English rhyme, “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe.” 

While it’s historically a primarily western Christian tradition, many brides worldwide have fallen in love with the custom and have added their own unique twist to it to suit their wedding day. 

The History of the “Something Old, Something New” Rhyme

This rhyme symbolizes luck for a bride on her wedding day, with each “something” representing an item to be given to the bride before she walks down the aisle. It’s meant to signify the hope of a new and fruitful beginning while simultaneously incorporating tradition in a meaningful and fun way for both the bride and her nearest and dearest. 

So, what are the four different somethings you might want to add to your special day? Let’s pick apart the different popularized meanings of each element, and we’ll give you some of our cutest suggestions on what to gift your favorite bride-to-be. 

The Meaning Behind Something Old

The meaning behind “something old” is an item that ties to the bride or the couple’s past. It could be a trinket they want to bring into their marriage that represents a part of their non-married life. Or, for the bride, more specifically, an item with significant meaning from their past. This often includes a piece of jewelry worn by the bride’s mother or grandmother. 

Wedding couple

The Meaning Behind Something New

The meaning of “something new” stands for hope for a bright and happy future as a couple. It also represents the start of a new journey for the bride and the couple. This is by far the easiest gift to shop for. In many instances, this may include the bride’s wedding day attire items, from the dress to her hairpiece, bridal jewelry, and even the wedding ring. It could also include a gift from the groom or the groom’s family. 

The Meaning Behind Something Borrowed 

The meaning behind “something borrowed” is a little more superstitious as it’s believed that borrowing an accessory or trinket from a happily married relative or friend will help the bride bring good luck and fertility into her new marriage. 

The Meaning Behind Something Blue

Blue stands for strong love, fidelity, and purity, and it’s also a popular color for the bride to wear before the wedding. The meaning behind “something blue” comes from believing that the color blue wards off the evil eye. Traditionally, the bride’s garter would be their blue accessory. 

Who Gives The Bride Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue?

In some cases, the bride’s family and friends may decide on their own who will give her the various objects. However, it’s not uncommon for the bride to ask for specific items from specific people. There aren’t any hard and fast rules when it comes to this special tradition, and it has the potential to be unique to every bride and wedding. 

Something Old Ideas

“Something old” can be a sentimental piece of jewelry worn by the bride’s mother, grandmother/grandfather, or any individual they love. It might be their chosen person’s wedding ring, veil, or even their old wedding dress. Many brides incorporate pieces of fabric from their mother’s dress into their own. There’s a new trend of adding their “something old” item, like an old photo, into their bouquet as a tribute to lost loved ones. 

Something New Ideas

Anything bought new can be a gift for the bride on her wedding day, whether it be the shoes, hairpiece, jewelry, or even the dress she wears. Most brides appreciate new bridal jewelry, and this gift can come from one or even multiple people who want to spoil her. Try a group gift,  especially if she’s eyeing a pearl jewelry set or matching diamond jewelry pieces.

 If you’re in charge of getting the “something new” item for the bride, it’s always a good idea to find out what bridal accessories she’s dreaming of for her big day. 

Something Borrowed Ideas

Since this one is more for the bride to think about, the special woman in her life can help ease the stress by gathering several “something borrowed” items for her to choose from. Suppose she’s not lacking in the accessories department. In that case, the bride could always borrow her parent’s first dance song, a traditional toast to make at the reception, some marriage advice from her closest ladies, or something as simple as perfume! 

Something Blue Idea

Go ahead and have a blast with “something blue.” Here, the bride can add a touch of blue to her wardrobe, from blue shoes and blue hair pins to a blue garter. If she’d prefer to keep the blue off her person, blue flowers can always be added to her bouquet or the wedding decor. 

Most brides might prefer to get their pop of blue from their jewelry. You could incorporate the “something new” and “something blue” by gifting the bride-to-be some blue gemstone jewelry. And there are plenty of blues to choose, from blue sapphire earrings to aquamarine necklaces and blue topaz bracelets. Whichever shade of blue the bride wants, she can have it! 

FAQs

  1. What is the saying something borrowed something blue? 

The saying comes from a 19th-century Victorian-era rhyme.

  1. What are the four things brides need?

A bride needs something blue, something new, something old, something borrowed, and a sixpence in her shoe.  

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Jessica Thomas

Jessica feels too much anxiety trying to come up with a cool bio. Read her awesome blog post instead.

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Aquamarine Jewelry feat. the March Birthstone

Hey, what are you waiting for? Aquamarine jewelry, that’s what! Learn more about the meaning behind these March birthstone jewelry pieces and find the perfect aquamarine gift for a March birthday.

March Birthstone

What Is The March Birthstone?

Aquamarine, the March birthstone, evokes the clarity and serenity of ocean waters – literally. Its name comes from the Latin “aqua marinus,” which means “water of the sea.” Aquamarine is a blue variant of the beryl family, which includes other distinctly colored gemstones like pink morganite, golden heliodor, and green emerald. Why the spectrum of hues?

Each color variation is thanks to specific trace mineral and metal content; in the case of aquamarine, iron ions (Fe2+ and Fe3+, to be precise) tint the otherwise colorless beryl to a clear, watery blue. This blue gemstone ranges in color across the spectrum, from pale to deep azure. What’s consistent, however, is this gemstone’s exceptional clarity.

Aquamarine Birthstone Symbolism And History

What better way to celebrate the first month of spring than with a slice of clear blue sky? Aquamarine jewelry symbolizes tranquility, serenity, and good luck. Ancient Greek sailors used to carry aquamarine aboard their ships to ensure smooth journeys at sea – and protect them against drowning. Nowadays, it’s still a symbol of protection, with many people carrying it with them for good health. They’re perfect for those days when you need to shout, “SERENITY NOW!” That’s because the March birthstone has historically been worn in order to soothe the wearer’s temper and to nurture love. 

What Is The March Birthstone Color?

Aquamarine naturally occurs in hexagonal facets, which catch a spectacular amount of light. Its blue is exceptionally bright. Plus, it’s a 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, making it a perfect choice for strong, durable birthstone jewelry that stands up well to daily wear. So whether or not you’re a March baby, the aquamarine is a stunning blue gemstone that deserves to be a centerpiece of any jewelry collection.

Celebrity Aquamarine Jewelry

And don’t forget about the celebrity endorsements. Celebs have been rocking aquamarine jewelry since – forever! Lucille Ball flaunted a 40-carat multi-faceted aquamarine ring from Desi Arnaz. Jessica Biel’s now-husband Justin Timberlake proposed with a whopping 6-carat center diamond accented with two aquamarine side stones. And Princess Diana was an ardent fan of the March birthstone. She had a jaw-dropping collection of aquamarine jewelry, whose standouts included pear-cut aquamarine earrings, a huge emerald-cut aquamarine ring, and a pearl and aquamarine bracelet. 

Lucille Bill aquamarine ring
Lucille Ball’s 40-carat aquamarine ring
Princess Diana aquamarine diamond earrings
Princess Diana’s pear-cut aquamarine earrings

Aquamarine is a beautiful accent stone, but it deserves to take center stage in its own right. At James Allen, we believe people don’t wear aquamarine enough! Its “pale blue” hue, despite its name, is anything but lackluster. It’s radiant! Aquamarine’s distinct color, combined with its characteristic light-grabbing hexagonal faces, means that this bright and vibrant jewel is perfectly suited to be worn as a center stone. 

So here are just a few of our most eye-catching, aquamarine-forward pieces. Happy March!

Aquamarine Rings

Infinity Aquamarine
Birthstone Ring

This simple aquamarine ring makes for an exceptionally sweet gift for your favorite March birthday. It leans into the marine theme with a rippling white gold band. Can you even look at this birthstone ring without dreaming of ocean surf crashing on a white sand beach? No, no you can’t. 

East-West Aquamarine
and Diamond Ring

This ring is the definition of understated glitter. An elegant oval-cut aquamarine is set in the sideways “east-west” position, which though less common than a vertical setting, is not at all less lovely. Two tiny diamonds, nestled in the crooks of the split shank, beautifully set off the brilliance of the center aquamarine.

Yellow Gold Aquamarine
Birthstone Ring

There’s a reason that the simple pleasures in life are enjoyed more often. And this simple pleasure comes in yellow gold! This is a piece that’s classic enough to match with any of your existing rings, perfect for stacking, and will handle anything your life throws at it. The double-floored basket allows light to hit this 0.25-carat round-cut aquamarine center stone from every angle: top, side, and bottom. Meaning, this delicate blue gemstone will positively glow on your finger.

Slender Aquamarine
Birthstone Ring

Place this slender, goes-with-anything 0.10-carat aquamarine birthstone ring on your finger for some extra confidence before you head out the door in the morning. Its thin band makes it ideal as a stacking ring. Mix and match it up with other metals, stones, and styles for an impressive ring stack.

Aquamarine Stud Earrings

Aquamarine and
Diamond Stud Earrings

These round 0.5 carat aquamarine studs get their extra pop of sparkle from two delicate diamond pavé halos. Their rounded-back lotus mountings are extremely comfortable, allowing you to look fabulous all day without even noticing you’re wearing them.

Aquamarine Birthstone
Stud Earrings

These earrings bring out the sparkle in any eye, especially baby blues and gorgeous greens. The gentle blue of the gemstones perfectly complements cool-toned eyes. Wear aquamarine on your lobes whenever you want to bring out the marine undertones of your irises. 

Aquamarine Necklaces

Oval-Cut Aquamarine
Birthstone Necklace

This necklace is all aquamarine. Simply set in white gold, this oval-cut gemstone is the star of the show. And simply put, aquamarine jewelry makes for an unforgettable March birthday gift. This pendant’s split bail ensures that its center stone lies flat around the wearer’s neck. Pretty and stable, this necklace is utterly wearable.

Aquamarine Floating
Halo Necklace

Why be shy about it? Your aquamarine is stunning and you know it. This necklace shows off this blue gemstone as it deserves to be seen – front-and-center and surrounded by a floating halo of diamonds! This is a pendant necklace that’s covered in sparkle. And it’s not afraid to flaunt it.

The March Birthstone & More

January Garnets * February Amethysts * March Aquamarines * April Diamonds * May Emeralds * June Pearls * July Rubies * August Peridots * September Sapphires * October Opal * November Citrines * December Blue Topaz.

Read More About Birthstones!

  1. Rose Gold + Pearl Fine Jewelry
  2. Pearl Jewelry: Our New Arrivals
  3. June Pearl Birthstone Jewelry

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Rachel Hoar

Rachel is an unabashed linguistics fanatic who can identify the ancient Greek root of any word. She promises not to spray you with Windex.

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