The meaning of “Something Blue”

Jewelry Trends: Blue is Making a Splash

We all know the bride’s wedding day mantra:

Something old, something new,  

 something borrowed, something blue.

This verse is said to bring the bride good fortune if she carries these items with her on her wedding day. “Something old” is to symbolize the bride’s relationship and continuity with her family’s past. Hope for the future and optimism is represented by “something new.” “Something borrowed” generally comes from a trusted friend or family member whose own marriage is successful and happy. But what is the meaning of “something blue?”

The color blue is a very symbolic color and has been connected to weddings for centuries. Brides wore blue in ancient Rome to symbolize love, modesty and fidelity. Purity is also associated with blue, as in Christianity, the Virgin Mary is often shown wearing blue. Blue was a very popular color for wedding attire before the late 19th century. We’ve all heard the proverb, “Marry in blue, lover be true.”

Now, in modern times, blue is making a big splash for weddings. Trends are showing that brides are choosing blue for bridesmaids’ gowns, flowers, wedding jewelry, reception hall decorations and the wedding gown itself. Also, the September birthstone, sapphire, is a popular option in engagement rings.

Sapphires have long been associated with royalty. King Solomon wore a sapphire ring and Prince Charles presented Lady Diana with a beautiful sapphire surrounded by diamonds for her engagement ring. Prince William presented his late mother’s sapphire engagement ring to his bride, Kate Middleton.

Sapphires are found in nearly any color imaginable except for red, which is a ruby. Blue sapphires are the most popular. Pink is also becoming more widely used in fine jewelry.

Legend states that sapphires could bring spiritual enlightenment and inner peace. It has also been associated with friendship and loyalty. Sapphire is also the gemstone for the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.

Sapphires rate 9.0 on the Mohs Hardness scale which means that they are resistant to being scratched and are are excellent in toughness. Clean your sapphire jewelry with mild soap and water. It is safe to use ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners.