Silver Anklets and Payal: Complete Buying Guide for 2026

What to look for in silver anklets

Good silver anklets combine genuine purity, a comfortable weight, secure clasps and a design that suits how often you will wear them. For daily wear, a light 925 sterling silver anklet or a slim payal with a few small charms is ideal. For weddings and festivals, heavier traditional payal with ghungroo bells and intricate patterns are the classic choice.

Silver payal hold a special place in many Indian homes. They are part of bridal trousseaus, gifts for new daughters-in-law and festive wear, and many women wear a simple pair every day. Choosing well means thinking about purity, weight and comfort together.

The tradition varies across India. In many north Indian families payal are given to a bride by her in-laws, while in parts of the south anklets called kolusu or golusu are worn from childhood. Whatever your background, the same buying principles apply: real metal, sensible weight and a secure, comfortable fit.

Purity: sterling vs traditional silver

Modern anklets from jewellery brands are usually 925 sterling silver, often rhodium or gold plated, with fine chains and minimal charms. Traditional payal from local jewellers are often sold by weight and may be made in various purities, sometimes higher or lower than 925. Some are hollow or filled to give volume without excessive weight.

Always ask what purity the payal are and whether they are BIS hallmarked. If they are sold by weight, ask whether the quoted weight includes any filling, beads or non-silver parts. The invoice should mention weight, purity and making charges separately.

Beware of German silver payal and silver-plated brass anklets. They look similar but contain little or no silver, may contain nickel and will not hold value.

Plating changes the look but not the core. Rhodium plated sterling anklets look bright white and resist tarnish, which is helpful for daily wear in humid cities. Gold plated or gold vermeil anklets give a warm look, but note that in some communities gold is traditionally not worn on the feet, so silver-toned payal remain the norm for many families.

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Weight and comfort

Weight affects both comfort and cost. Light anklets in sterling silver are comfortable for walking, office wear and travel, and they do not press on the ankle bone. Heavier traditional payal look grand with lehengas and silk sarees but can feel tiring after a long day and may mark the skin.

If you plan to wear payal daily, choose a moderate weight with smooth inner surfaces and no sharp edges. Try walking in them before buying if you can. Payal that slide over the ankle bone with every step can cause soreness; a slightly snug fit or an adjustable clasp helps.

For bridal payal, comfort still matters. You will walk through pheras, receptions and long photo sessions, so balance grandeur with wearability.

Children's anklets deserve special care. Choose light designs with smooth edges and secure, child-safe clasps, and avoid small loose bells or charms that could come off. Check them often, since children are hard on jewellery and kids' ankles grow quickly.

Payal that are too heavy can also strain the clasp and wear out links faster, especially with daily walking. If you love the look of a heavy pair, consider reserving it for occasions and wearing a lighter version on regular days, which also keeps your best pair looking new for longer.

Ghungroo, chain and other styles

Ghungroo payal have small bells that chime with every step. They are joyful for festivals, weddings and dance, but some women find the sound distracting in offices or quiet homes. Many brands now offer payal with fewer or smaller bells, or charms that make a gentle sound.

Chain anklets are minimal and modern, often a fine sterling chain with a single charm such as an evil eye, a star, a tiny heart or a small stone. These suit western wear, ankle-length trousers and sandals.

Other styles include beaded anklets, oxidised tribal payal with wide patterns, Rajasthani and Kolhapuri-inspired designs, and bridal payal with meenakari or kundan detailing. Pick according to your outfit and occasion rather than trend alone.

Pairing matters too. Most traditional payal are worn as a matched pair, while modern chain anklets are often worn on a single ankle. Some women layer two fine chains on one ankle for a contemporary look. There is no rule; choose what feels comfortable for your style and community customs.

Look closely at how charms and bells are attached. Soldered jump rings are stronger than open rings that can be pulled apart. On ghungroo payal, check that each bell is firmly fixed, as loose bells are easily lost.

Getting the size right

Most anklets fit ankles roughly between 9 and 11 inches, and many come with extenders or adjustable clasps. Measure your ankle with a soft tape just above the ankle bone, then add a little room so the chain drapes rather than squeezes.

Traditional payal are usually sized by length and may be adjustable with a hook. If you are buying as a gift, adjustable designs are the safest choice. Check exchange policies before ordering, since they typically vary by seller.

If you are between sizes, a slightly looser anklet usually sits better than a tight one, as long as it does not slip over the heel. A drop of about a finger's width between the chain and the ankle is a good guide for chain anklets.

For gifts, choose designs with an adjustable hook or extender, which accommodates most ankle sizes and keeps the surprise intact without asking for measurements.

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Daily wear vs bridal payal

For daily wear, think light, secure and low maintenance. A rhodium plated sterling chain anklet or a slim traditional payal with a strong screw or lobster clasp works well. Avoid dangling charms that can catch on bedsheets, dupattas or saree borders.

For bridal and festive wear, you can choose heavier designs with ghungroo, broader patterns and more ornamentation. Many families buy a pair for the wedding and a lighter pair for daily wear afterwards, which is practical and keeps the heavier pair in good condition.

Some brides coordinate payal with silver toe rings, called bichiya, which are a traditional marker of marriage in many communities.

Remember that heavier bridal payal benefit from occasional professional checks. Ask your jeweller to inspect and tighten the hooks and links before major family functions, so nothing breaks in the middle of a celebration.

Caring for silver payal

Anklets face more dust, water and friction than most jewellery, so they need regular care. Rinse off dust with lukewarm water and mild soap, use a soft brush on detailed areas and dry thoroughly, especially around ghungroo and clasps where water can collect.

Remove payal before mopping, swimming or walking through water during the monsoon. Store them in separate zip pouches to prevent tangling and slow tarnish. Check clasps and links every few weeks, since a broken payal can easily be lost on the street.

For heavily tarnished traditional payal, a professional cleaning at a jeweller restores shine without damaging the bells or detailing.

During the monsoon, take extra care. Muddy water and street splashes carry grit and chemicals that dull silver quickly. If your payal get wet outdoors, rinse them in clean water as soon as you get home, dry them with a soft towel and let them air dry fully before storing.

Price expectations and value

Sterling silver chain anklets from established brands typically start from about ₹1,500 to ₹2,000, rising for designs with stones, gold plating or more silver. Traditional payal are often priced by weight plus making charges, so heavier and more intricate pairs cost more.

Silver payal can retain value. Many jewellers accept old silver for exchange, usually at a rate linked to purity and the current silver price minus deductions. Policies vary, so keep your invoice and ask about terms at the time of purchase.

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When exchanging old payal for new ones, ask the jeweller to weigh and test them in front of you, and request a written breakdown of the exchange value and any deductions.

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