Anklets (payal or pajeb) are worn across India, traditionally in silver-tone. Imitation anklets in oxidised and silver-look finishes are a steady everyday category, with bridal versions for weddings.
Styles
- Oxidised and silver-look payal: the most common everyday style.
- Ghungroo payal: with small bells that chime when walking, popular for dance and festive wear.
- Bridal payal: heavier, ornate designs, sometimes with Kundan or meena.
- Kolusu (South India) with small bells, and painjan (Maharashtra), often heavier.
- Single-strand anklets: slim, with charms or beads, for younger customers and western wear.
- Toe rings (bichhiya in the North, metti in the South), worn by many married women, usually silver-look, adjustable and sold in pairs. Stocking them with anklets gives customers everything for the feet in one place.
Sizing
Most anklets are around 9 to 11 inches long and come with adjustable hooks or extension chains. Offer standard lengths with extensions to cover most customers.
Children's and dance anklets are shorter. Offer a small size spread or adjustable designs, and confirm the adjustment range with the factory.
Quality and durability checks
Anklets take more wear than any other jewellery: they rub against feet, floors and footwear, and meet water and dust. Silver-look finishes on brass are common because brass withstands the flexing.
| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| Hook | Secure, easy to fasten, will not open while walking |
| Links | Strong, no gaps |
| Bells | Firmly attached |
| Edges | Smooth, no scratching |
| Finish | Even oxidising or plating that takes friction |
Stocking tips
Anklets rarely lead a range, but they sell consistently to regular customers, make good gifts and sell alongside toe rings and everyday earrings. They are light, cheap to transport and easy to display, so they suit small retailers and cosmetic stores as well as jewellery shops.
- Sell in pairs, packed flat in a sealed bag with bells separated by a card so they do not knot.
- Keep everyday oxidised payal in stock year-round, and add festive designs before weddings, Karva Chauth, Teej and Navratri.
- Bridal payal should coordinate with bridal sets.
- Display on a foot form or dark velvet with the bells visible, and keep one pair out of its bag - customers like to hear the chime.
We make anklets in oxidised and bridal styles at 200 pcs per design (400 for earrings and pendants). See oxidised jewellery wholesale.
Regional custom: silver-tone or gold-tone
In many Hindu communities, gold is not worn on the feet, because gold is associated with the goddess Lakshmi. That is why traditional anklets (payal, pajeb, kolusu) and toe rings are usually silver, and imitation anklets follow the same custom in silver-look, oxidised or white-metal finishes. Gold-tone anklets are accepted in some communities and in modern fashion ranges, but silver-look remains the core of the category for most traditional customers. Ask retailers before choosing finishes for a new region.
Briefing an anklet order
Give the base length, extension chain length, bell count if any, width and finish. For bridal payal, ask for heavier construction and a secure hook that will not open while walking.
Care
Anklets meet water, dust and friction more than any other jewellery. Advise customers to wipe them dry after wearing and store them in pouches.