Why 925 Sterling Silver Anklets Are the Best for Daily Wear in India
- Nisha Parween
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
By Hivana | 925 Sterling Silver Jewellery India
Everything you need to know about choosing, styling, and caring for your silver payal
There is something timeless about the sound of a payal. It is the sound of movement, of femininity, of a woman who carries her grace with her wherever she goes. Payal — silver anklets — have been a core part of Indian women's jewellery for thousands of years, and in 2026 they are more popular than ever.
But not all payal is created equal. If you have worn artificial or low-quality anklets before, you know the frustration — they turn black, they break, they irritate your skin, and they look nothing like they did in the shop photo after a few weeks of wear.
925 sterling silver payal is different. It is real, it is durable, and it is beautiful in a way that only genuine silver can be. Here is everything you need to know.
Why Silver Payal Has Been Worn in India for Centuries
Silver anklets are not just a fashion accessory in India — they carry deep cultural and spiritual significance. In Ayurveda, wearing silver on the feet is believed to have grounding and cooling properties, keeping the body's energy balanced. Silver is also traditionally associated with the moon, with femininity, and with prosperity in Indian culture.
Across different states and communities — from Rajasthan to Tamil Nadu, from Punjab to Odisha — silver payal is worn as a daily essential, a bridal ornament, and a festive statement. The designs vary widely by region, but the metal is almost always silver. There is a reason for that tradition: silver is the right metal for the feet.
Modern 925 sterling silver payal combines this centuries-old tradition with contemporary design — keeping the cultural roots while creating pieces that work with today's wardrobes and lifestyles.
925 Silver Payal vs Artificial Payal vs Gold Payal — Which Is Best?
Artificial / Fashion Payal (Rs 50 to Rs 300)
Artificial anklets are made from base metals plated with silver or white coating. They look attractive in the shop but the plating wears off quickly — usually within a few weeks to a few months. The base metal underneath often causes skin darkening and irritation, especially on the ankle where friction is constant. For daily wear, artificial payal is a poor investment.
• Pros: Very cheap, wide variety of designs
• Cons: Tarnishes fast, causes skin darkening, breaks easily, not suitable for daily wear
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Gold Payal (Rs 15,000 and above)
Gold anklets are traditional and beautiful, but the price puts them out of reach for most women as a daily wear item. Gold payal is typically a bridal or heirloom purchase — worn for weddings and special occasions, then locked away. At over Rs 7,000 per gram, even a simple gold payal easily crosses Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000.
• Pros: Extremely durable, traditional, holds value
• Cons: Very expensive, impractical for daily wear, fear of loss or damage
925 Sterling Silver Payal — The Best Choice for Daily Wear
925 sterling silver sits perfectly between artificial and gold. It is real metal — not plated, not coated. It is durable enough for daily wear, beautiful enough for festive occasions, and affordable enough to own multiple pairs without financial stress.
• Real metal: 925 sterling silver is 92.5 percent pure silver — the international standard for fine silver jewellery
• Skin safe: Does not cause darkening or irritation with regular cleaning
• Durable: Lasts for years with minimal care — far longer than any artificial anklet
• Affordable: A fraction of gold prices, accessible for regular purchase and gifting
• Beautiful: Real silver has a depth and shine that no plating can replicate
How to Style Silver Payal — 5 Looks
1. Everyday Casual
A slim, simple silver payal with jeans, shorts, or casual salwars. The key is to keep it understated — one elegant anklet per foot that catches the light when you walk. The subtle sound of the payal adds to the look without overpowering it.
2. Ethnic and Festive Wear
Silver payal is made for ethnic wear. A slightly bolder or more detailed pair looks stunning with sarees, lehengas, and anarkali suits. For festivals like Diwali, Navratri, or Eid, a silver payal completes the look from head to toe — literally.
3. Office and Smart Casual
A thin, minimal silver payal is perfectly appropriate for office wear — especially in creative or relaxed work environments. Pair it with formal trousers or midi skirts. The sound should be subtle, not distracting. Choose a fine-chain style rather than a heavy or bell-studded design for professional settings.
4. Beach and Summer Wear
Silver payal looks absolutely beautiful against tanned skin at the beach or on vacation. Pair with flowy dresses, skirts, or summer shorts. Just remember to rinse and dry your payal after exposure to saltwater or sand.
5. Bridal and Wedding Occasions
For weddings and bridal functions, layering two silver payals or choosing a more elaborate design creates a stunning effect. Silver bridal payal looks beautiful against both traditional silk and contemporary bridal wear. It is also a far more practical choice than gold for women who want to wear their wedding jewellery beyond the ceremony.
How to Care for Your Silver Payal
Your ankles take more friction, sweat, and daily exposure than most other parts of the body — which means your payal needs a little extra attention.
• Rinse with clean water and mild soap after heavy wear or sweating
• Dry thoroughly after washing — moisture caught in chain links can accelerate tarnishing
• Store in a separate airtight pouch when not wearing
• Remove before swimming in pools (chlorine) or the sea (salt)
• Polish occasionally with a silver polishing cloth to restore shine
• Check clasps and links periodically to ensure they are secure
With regular care, a quality 925 silver payal will last for years and continue to look beautiful.
Shop Hivana Silver Payal
Hivana's Silver Payal collection is handcrafted in 925 sterling silver — built for daily wear, designed for Indian women, and priced to be accessible without compromising quality.
Browse our full payal collection and find the pair that speaks to you:
And explore the rest of our 925 sterling silver jewellery:
Shop the full collection: www.hivana.in/shop
Hivana | Handcrafted 925 Sterling Silver Jewellery | India
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