Something Old, Something New – Traditions that carry the history of love

A wedding is more than just a celebration – it’s a ceremony where history meets the future. One of the most iconic traditions, passed down through generations, is the well-known rhyme:

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue."

But what do these words really mean? And how can you make the tradition your own – with style, symbolism and jewelry that tells your story?

Where does the expression come from?

The classic expression originated in Victorian England in the late 19th century. The original English rhyme read:

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe."

Each part of the rhyme symbolized happiness, love and success for the bride in her new life as a married woman. The small silver coin placed in the shoe represented financial prosperity – a detail that is less well known in Sweden, but which reinforces the significance of the tradition.

Today, the rhyme is popular all over the world – even among Swedish brides and grooms – and serves as a beautiful ritual for uniting generations, memories and dreams of the future.

Something old – A tribute to your origins

Wearing something old is about preserving the memory of where you come from. It is a symbol of family ties, tradition and continuity. Often it is a piece of jewelry passed down from a mother or grandmother – a pearl necklace, vintage earrings or a relative’s engagement ring.

At Schalins we encourage you to create new expressions with old values. Perhaps you want to have an old stone set in a new ring setting, or wear an older brooch on your dress.

Symbolism:

• Historical anchoring
• Family traditions
• Personal legacy

Something new – A symbol of the future

“Something new” stands for faith in the future, expectation and a new life together. This part is often interpreted through the choice of a wedding ring – a piece of jewelry that becomes a constant reminder of the promise of love.

Schalin's rings are designed with long-term quality and Scandinavian style – perfect as the "new" in tradition. Many also choose to complement with new earrings, a bracelet or a jewelry set for their wedding day.

Tips from us:

• Choose your ring with care and according to what suits you - read more about ring selection here for the bride and for the groom here .
• Combine the new with an engraved inside that carries a memory. Read more about engraving here
• See our wedding rings for inspiration.
• Women's wedding ring
• Men's wedding ring

Something borrowed – A gesture of love and support

Borrowed jewelry symbolizes togetherness. A piece of jewelry borrowed from a friend, sister, or mother shows that you are bringing their support and experience into your marriage. It can be something as simple as a bracelet, a hairpin, or a piece of jewelry with a story.

By borrowing something, you create a bridge between you and someone you trust. It becomes an invisible security on your big day.

Common choices:

• A diamond necklace from a friend
• A vintage bracelet from your mother
• A lace detail from another wedding dress

Something Blue – Fidelity, Purity and Eternal Love

Blue is traditionally the color of fidelity and stability. In ancient times, the bride often wore a blue ribbon to show her loyalty to her husband. Today, blue can be interpreted in many ways – from a sapphire in an engagement ring to a blue detail in the dress.

Inspiration for something blue:

• Blue sapphire set in the wedding ring
• Embroidered blue detail on the inside of the dress
• Earrings with blue topaz for a pop of color

Your interpretation – your jewelry

There is no right or wrong way to follow the tradition. It's about what feels authentic to you. You may choose to interpret all the elements through jewelry, or you may focus on one of the symbols.

At Schalins, we help you find the perfect way to express your story – using jewelry that carries meaning, love and quality.

Did you know this?

• The silver coin in the shoe: The fifth part of the rhyme – a silver sixpence – represents financial prosperity.
• Cultural spread: The tradition has become a global phenomenon and is found in different variations in several cultures.
• Psychological security: Following traditions can provide a sense of security in life's big moments - something that research in psychology often highlights.

Next step – Create your tradition with Schalins

Do you dream of a piece of jewelry that unites old and new? A heritage in a modern form? Or something blue that is worn in secret? At Schalins, we create rings that reflect your journey – from engagement to wedding and on through life.

• Explore our range of wedding rings
• Chat with our skilled Jewelry Advisors or find a retailer near you for personal advice.
• Let us help you create your own wedding tradition