Bridal Spotlight: Wearing Something Old on Your Wedding Day
“Something old” may be one of the most timeless bridal traditions—but the way you embrace it can be as unique and personal as your wedding day itself. From heirloom wedding rings to vintage brooches pinned to your bouquet, there are endless ways to honor history while creating a look that feels beautifully your own.
At Argo & Lehne Jewelers, we’ve been curating heirlooms and estate treasures since 1924. Let’s explore the many ways you can make “something old” shine on your wedding day.
What Does “Something Old” Symbolize?
Among all the bridal traditions, something old stands out as one of the most meaningful and versatile. It connects the past to the present in a way few details can, reminding us that marriage itself is a tradition—one that carries the weight of history into every new beginning. Wearing something old acknowledges that you are part of a larger story, one that extends beyond your own love and honors the generations that came before.
An heirloom ring, a strand of pearls, an estate or vintage piece chosen with care, something old embodies continuity, heritage, and the enduring memory of tradition in your marriage.
What Is “Something Old”?
Many brides wonder what qualifies. The answer is simple: anything meaningful from the past. Jewelry is the most popular because it’s wearable, visible, and lasting. Options include:
- Antique wedding bands
- Estate engagement rings
- Vintage pearl necklaces
- Cameo pendants
- Brooches and pins
- Art Deco earrings
- Lockets with family photos
Which Jewelry Works Best as “Something Old”?
This is where you get creative. Consider both tradition and personal style:
- Rings: Wearing a mother’s or grandmother’s wedding band, or a right-hand estate ring.
- Necklaces: Pearl strands, vintage pendants, or lockets tucked close to the heart.
- Earrings: Diamond studs passed down for generations.
- Bracelets: Delicate Edwardian bangles or a charm bracelet with family meaning.
- Brooches & Pins: Worn on a gown, bouquet ribbon, or even as a hairpiece.
Each choice says something unique about you and the legacy you’re honoring.
Can I Wear My Mother’s or Grandmother’s Ring?
Yes—heirloom rings are one of the most powerful choices. You can wear it as your engagement ring, a stacked wedding band, or even on your right hand during the ceremony. If sizing or condition is an issue, our custom jewelry services will restore or adapt it for you.
Styling “Something Old” with Modern Elegance
The magic lies in blending vintage pieces seamlessly with your bridal look.
- A strand of cultured pearls adds grace to a minimalist gown.
- Diamond stud earrings from a Mom’s collection are timeless with any neckline.
- An antique bracelet may pair beautifully with a stack of contemporary bangles.
- A vintage sapphire ring can be worn on the right hand, offering a pop of “something blue”.
This harmony of old and new is where true personal style emerges. It’s less about replicating tradition and more about reinterpreting it for your day.
Does Estate Jewelry Count as “Something Old”?
Absolutely. Not everyone has heirlooms from the family, but estate jewelry lets you embrace history in a personal way. Choose an Art Deco diamond bracelet, a Victorian pendant, or an Edwardian filigree ring not only to satisfy tradition but to begin a legacy you’ll one day pass down.
Estate jewelry has lived before you—and now it becomes part of your chapter.
Redesign: Honoring the Past While Creating Your Own
Sometimes heirlooms aren’t your style. Redesign allows you to keep the sentiment while making the piece your own. For example:
- Reset an heirloom diamond in a custom setting for your engagement ring.
- Turn a family brooch into a pendant.
- Convert a strand of pearls into a bracelet & earring set.
At Argo & Lehne, our custom design team specializes in heirloom transformations—honoring your past while celebrating your future.
The Heirloom Potential of Your Wedding Jewelry
What you wear on your wedding day doesn’t just fulfill tradition—it may become the “something old” for your children or grandchildren. The diamond earrings you receive as a gift, the wedding band chosen with care, or the pendant you wear at the altar could one day be passed down.
This is the magic of fine jewelry: it bridges generations, weaving memory into metal and stone.
Conclusion: A Tradition Worth Treasuring
Every wedding is a blend of tradition and personal expression. Among the most cherished customs is the phrase, “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” Of these, “something old” carries a special kind of magic—it ties you to history, to family, and to the generations of love that came before you.
At Argo & Lehne Jewelers, where heirlooms and artistry have been celebrated for over a century, “something old” is more than just a token—it’s a meaningful way to bring legacy into your wedding day.
Visit us at 3100 Tremont Rd, Columbus, OH 43221, or call (614) 457-6261 to explore heirlooms to pass on.
