Payal - anklet

 Also known as pajeb, it adorns the ankle of a bride, is made of silver (mostly) and has meenakari, kundan or beads as decorations.

Anklets are worn by women of all ages and are popular for their exquisite styles and embellishments.

PAYAL, also known as anklets or ankle bracelet refer to ornaments that are worn around the ankle. Anklets are an important part of women's adornment in the Indian culture though they have also been found in other ancient cultures of Egypt and Middle East. 

Anklets are a part of ornamentation and has great spiritual and social significance. However, apart from their aesthetic value the basic motive of the anklet is to draw attention to the wearers legs and feet.

Anklets come in varying shapes and sizes in present times. From the traditional and rather delicate silver and gold chains, they have developed into beautiful threaded and beaded versions in wood, crystals, semi-precious stones and seashells.

Anklets are an important part of women s adornment in the Indian culture though they have also been found in other ancient cultures of Egypt and Middle East. 

Payal is a significant part of bride s jewelry in India. Traditionally, the new bride announces her entry into her husband s house with the tinkling of he payal. 

Mostly, Indians prefer to wear payal made of silver, as gold is considered to be the metal of the gods. People in India, therefore, consider it disrespectful to wear gold on the lowermost part of the body. Many people though go in for gold-plated payals these days.

Payals are considered to be traditional and auspicious gift for the new bride in India. Heavily carves payals or payals embellished with exquisite meenakari work are an all-time favorite gift for the newly weds. Ideally, an anklet needs to be at least two or three inches larger than the ankle size, so that the beads, bells and other embellishments fall right under the ankle bone. But then, there are exceptions, depending upon the outfit or footwear it must match with and the comfort level of the wearer.