Anklets are having a serious moment in the US — but this piece of jewelry has been meaningful for over 8,000 years. If you have ever wondered what wearing an anklet means, which ankle to wear it on, or how to style one today, here is the full story.
The Indian Tradition: Payal and Ghungroo
In India, the anklet — called payal in Hindi — is one of the oldest and most beloved pieces of women's jewelry. Traditionally crafted in silver (gold was historically reserved for above the waist out of respect for the metal), payals are worn by brides, gifted at weddings, and worn daily by millions of women. Many feature tiny bells called ghungroo that chime softly with each step — the sound is considered auspicious, announcing a woman's graceful arrival.
What Anklets Symbolize
- In Indian tradition: marital status, prosperity, and feminine grace. Silver anklets are also believed in Ayurvedic tradition to have cooling, grounding properties.
- In ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia: status and wealth — the more ornate the anklet, the higher the standing.
- In modern Western style: simply a beautiful accessory. The old myths about ankle-side "meanings" are exactly that — myths. Today, wear it on whichever ankle feels comfortable.
How to Style an Anklet in 2026
With Indian wear: a gold-tone anklet with Kemp stones pairs beautifully with sarees and lehengas for weddings, Navratri, and Diwali parties — the detail that completes a festive look without adding weight.
With Western wear: anklets shine with cropped trousers, midi dresses, sandals, and beach looks. A single statement anklet on bare skin is the move; keep the other ankle bare.
Layering rule: one ornate anklet alone, or two ultra-thin chains together. Never two statement pieces on one ankle.
Choosing Your First Anklet
Look for three things: a secure clasp (you will not notice it falling off — buy quality), smooth edges that will not catch on hemlines, and honest material description. Our gold plated lotus anklet with Kemp stones is a festive-ready example — lightweight brass with gold plating, designed in our Surat workshop for Indian celebrations and modern styling alike, and shipped tracked to the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Prefer everyday minimal? Explore the rest of our jewelry collection, where every piece states its material honestly — 925 sterling silver or gold-plated brass, never mystery metal.
