Bell Anklets & Silver Payal: The Complete Guide

A silver payal bell anklet with paisley-shaped charms curving in a wide arc across a dark, textured background

A bell anklet is a chain or band set with small bells whose soft chime has long carried meaning. This guide reads the silver payal as an object, covering history, designs, materials, and care before you explore the anklet collection.

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What Is a Bell Anklet?

A bell anklet is an ankle chain or band set with small bells that sound softly as you move. In India, it is known as a payal, and the little bells are called ghungroo. As a foot ornament, you can wear it as a single piece or as a matching pair on both ankles. The form is simple and functional: a supple base that follows the ankle, with bells spaced so each one can move and sound freely.

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A woman wearing feet crossed at the ankle, a silver bell anklet with small charms and silver toe rings

The History and Origins of the Silver Payal

The anklet is a long-standing form of foot ornament across South Asia. Many payal designs are made in silver, with forms shaped by local custom and craft. Regional names reflect that wide reach: the payal is also called nupur or pajeb, and in the south it is known as silambu. Each name points to a shared object, made differently from region to region rather than to one fixed design. 

Silver bell anklet laid in a circle on black, with paisley-shaped drops, small bead clusters, and a clasp hung with tiny bells

Types of Bell Anklets and Payal Designs

An Indian bell anklet usually falls into one of a few design families, each with its own weight and sound. Chain anklets use fine links with evenly spaced ghungroo for a light chime, while a broad silver payal sets denser bellwork on a wider band for more presence. Contemporary forms pare the design back to a minimal line with a single row of bells, and beaded designs place small beads between the bells for added texture. Whichever silver bell anklet you prefer, explore the silver anklet collection to see the current designs. 

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 The Symbolism and Meaning of Bell Anklets

The chime of a bell anklet is often linked with movement and presence, and its meaning varies with custom and context. Reading the meaning of a bell anklet as cultural history keeps the reading accurate: the anklet is an object of adornment, shaped by the people who made and wore it, with no promise attached to its sound. For a deeper look at the metal, read why we wear silver. 

Silver vs Brass: Choosing Your Bell Anklet Material

Noir KĀLA bell anklets come in two metals, and we handcraft each piece in small batches through long-standing relationships with skilled makers in Rajasthan, India. 925 sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% other metals, primarily copper. It is hypoallergenic and has a bright, cool tone. The brass alloy is nickel-free and lead-free, with a warm, golden tone, and any skin reaction to brass is not necessarily an allergic response. Compare warmer pieces in our brass anklets and toe rings collection, or choose silver for a brighter look.

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Matching pair of silver payal anklets with paisley-shaped charms and tiny bells, overlapping in two loops on a black surface

How to Size and Wear a Bell Anklet

Measure your ankle and allow a little extra for drape; the FAQ below walks through the method. A secure clasp keeps the bells sitting evenly as you walk. Styling is more straightforward than it looks: wear a single silver anklet with bells for a quiet line, or layer two for a fuller sound. Either option suits bare ankles and sandals, and a fine chain can also sit neatly over sheer hosiery. 

Caring for Silver and Brass Bell Anklets

Sterling silver may dull or tarnish over time, and a soft polishing cloth usually restores it, while an oxidized finish can be left to deepen. Brass can develop a patina, so gentle cleaning keeps its tone warm. Store each anklet dry and apart to protect the bells and links. Very small or intricate pieces may not carry a visible 925 stamp, which does not mean they are not genuine. Our 925 sterling silver guide covers care in more detail.

In India, an anklet is most commonly called a payal. Depending on the region and language, you may also see it called pajeb or nupur, and in the south, silambu. The small bells found on many designs are called ghungroo. These names usually describe one shared object rather than separate types of jewelry, so a silver payal and a nupur can look very similar. They differ because of local craft rather than the name itself.

Wrap a soft measuring tape or a piece of string around your ankle, just above the ankle bone, and note the measurement. Add a small allowance so the anklet drapes comfortably rather than gripping the skin. A slightly loose fit lets a silver anklet with bells move and chime as you walk. If you plan to layer two pieces, allow a little extra length on the second so they sit apart.

There is no single standard length, because the right fit depends on your own ankle measurement. Use that measurement plus a small allowance as your guide, so the anklet sits comfortably with a little give, neither tight nor sliding over the heel. For a sterling silver anklet with bells, a chain extender or adjustable links help you fine-tune the drape so the bells settle evenly around the ankle. If layering, give the second piece slightly more length.

925 sterling silver is hypoallergenic and suitable for regular wear, so you can wear a silver bell anklet daily with proper care. Remove it before swimming, bathing, or heavy activity to protect the bells and clasp. Wipe it with a soft cloth after each wear to keep the finish bright over time, and store it dry, apart from other pieces, between wears. Brass pieces need a little more attention, as the alloy develops a patina with exposure to moisture.

Traditional beliefs are often attached to silver anklets, but they belong to cultural history rather than to verified claims. It is more accurate to understand the payal as adornment with historical meaning, not as a remedy or a source of any physical effect. Seen this way, the meaning of a bell anklet lies in custom, craft, and context, which is what gives a silver payal its lasting place in jewelry traditions across South Asia.

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