Somewhere between choosing the dress, finalising the guest list and figuring out the seating plan, another question often comes up: Do I actually have my something blue yet?
“Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue” is one of the best-known wedding traditions. But why blue – and what does the tradition actually mean?
Where does “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue” come from?
The wedding rhyme originated in England and can be traced back to the late 19th century. An earlier version even included an additional line: “a silver coin in her shoe.”
Each element was meant to bring good fortune to the bride while symbolising her past, future and the people accompanying her into this new chapter:
Something Old represents her history, family and roots.
Something New symbolises the beginning of a new chapter in life.
Something Borrowed was traditionally borrowed from someone in a happy marriage, with the hope that some of their good fortune would be passed on.
Something Blue represents loyalty, faithfulness and constancy.
Thankfully, the tradition can be approached a little more freely today. Finding an old silver coin for your shoe is certainly optional.
Why does a bride wear something blue?
Blue has been associated with loyalty and faithfulness for centuries – two qualities that feel rather fitting for a wedding.
Your something blue does not have to be immediately visible either. Traditionally, blue details were sometimes deliberately hidden, such as a small ribbon sewn into the wedding dress.
And that is part of its charm: your something blue can be something everyone sees – or something meaningful only to you.
Why jewelry makes a beautiful Something Blue
Jewelry has one major advantage over many other Something Blue ideas: it lasts.
Flowers eventually fade and wedding shoes may spend the years after the celebration tucked away in a wardrobe. A piece of jewelry, however, can be worn long after the wedding day.
A sapphire necklace can later be paired with an evening dress just as easily as with jeans and a white shirt. Sapphire earrings or a ring can become a subtle reminder of the day whenever you wear them.
Your Something Blue becomes more than an accessory for one occasion. It becomes a personal keepsake.
Blue sapphire wedding jewelry: meaning and symbolism
For Something Blue jewelry, blue sapphire is a particularly meaningful choice – and not simply because of its colour.
For centuries, sapphires have been associated with loyalty, sincerity, truth and constancy. Their symbolism therefore mirrors the traditional meaning of Something Blue remarkably well.
Blue represents faithfulness. So does sapphire.
You could say they were rather meant for each other.
Why is sapphire ideal for jewelry you want to wear for years?
Beyond its symbolism, sapphire has another very practical advantage: it is an exceptionally durable gemstone.
Sapphire belongs to the corundum mineral family and reaches 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Only diamond, at 10, ranks higher.
This makes sapphire particularly well suited to jewelry that is intended to be worn regularly. It is not indestructible, of course – meeting the corner of a table at speed is still best avoided.
When choosing a blue sapphire, colour is one of the most important considerations. Shades can range from bright, lighter blues to deep and intense tones. Ultimately, the right shade comes down to personal preference.
A small wedding tradition can therefore become something much more lasting: a piece of jewelry that carries meaning far beyond the wedding day itself.
Discover our Something Blue Collection featuring blue sapphires and natural diamonds – jewelry for your wedding day and everything that comes after.
