The History of the Rhyme
The rhyme: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe” originates from Victorian England, first recorded in Lancashire in the late 19th century.
Rather than being written by a single author, it evolved through oral tradition, with variations appearing in different regions of England. Its endurance reflects the importance placed on continuity, luck, and community wisdom in Victorian wedding customs, allowing the rhyme to be passed down through generations as a shared cultural inheritance.
The Meaning Behind the Tradition
Each element symbolises a wish for the bride’s future: continuity with the past, hope and optimism, borrowed happiness, fidelity, and good fortune. The sixpence, a silver coin, was placed in the bride’s shoe to represent prosperity and financial security in marriage.
Introduced in 1551 during the reign of Edward VI, the sixpence has long been considered a lucky coin. It remained a mainstay of British coinage for more than four centuries until it was eventually demonetised in 1980.
From Forgotten Verse to Wedding Revival
In time, the final line of the rhyme was often forgotten as the sixpence disappeared from everyday use, leaving many to remember only the first four elements. Today, however, there has been a renewed appreciation for the rhyme in its entirety. By producing commemorative sixpence coins as wedding keepsakes, the Royal Mint has helped restore this overlooked tradition, allowing modern couples to honour the history and symbolism behind a long‑standing piece of British wedding heritage.
Keeping the Tradition Alive with 886 by The Royal Mint
Each engagement ring purchased at 886 by The Royal Mint comes with a commemorative sixpence minted in the same year, to put in your shoe and take part in the beloved wedding tradition. The sterling silver coin is also available in a pendant, which makes the perfect gift for a bride or bride-to-be.
Crafted in the jewellery workshop of 886 by The Royal Mint in Pontyclun, Wales, the spinner features a genuine 2026 Sixpence struck in 100% recycled sterling silver recovered from NHS X-ray films through The Royal Mint's innovative precious metals recovery programme.
The reverse of the 2026 Sixpence showcases A Design in Bloom; a floral composition of orchids, lilies and irises symbolising love, life, and faith.
When the time comes to get the accompanying rings for the wedding day, the sixpence entitles you to a 20% discount on the wedding ring purchase. Contact customer care for your unique discount code for online wedding ring purchases.
