The Anklet Guide
Anklets Are Back — And They’re No Longer Just for the Beach
From gold chains to charm anklets, the ankle bracelet has officially left the holiday drawer and entered the everyday jewellery wardrobe.
Shop AnkletsAnklets, also known as ankle bracelets, are jewellery pieces worn around the ankle — and in 2026, they are no longer reserved for beach holidays. From gold anklets and silver chains to charm anklets, beaded styles and paperclip links, the modern anklet is an everyday styling detail: worn with sandals, trainers, linen trousers, swimwear, heels and everything in between.
At Galleria Armadoro, anklets are designed to feel light, personal and effortless — the kind of jewellery that catches the sun, moves with you and makes even the simplest outfit feel styled.
Shop AnkletsThe quick answer
What Is an Anklet?
An anklet is a piece of jewellery worn around the ankle. It is also called an ankle bracelet, and it can be made from gold, silver, beads, pearls, charms, cord or chain links.
Today, anklets are worn less like a holiday extra and more like an everyday styling detail. A gold anklet can make sandals feel polished. A silver anklet can add a cool, minimal touch to trainers or loafers. A charm anklet can tell a personal story with symbols, stones, initials or protective motifs.
The best part? An anklet does not need a full outfit strategy. It simply sits at the ankle, catches the light, and makes everything look a little more intentional.
The anklet edit
Types of Anklets to Know
Not all anklets speak the same language. Some are polished and golden, some are cool and silver, some carry charms, colour or a little Greek-summer superstition. The best one is the one that fits your jewellery mood — or, more realistically, the one you do not want to take off.
Gold Anklets
Warm, polished and sunlit. A gold anklet works beautifully with sandals, swimwear, linen and the kind of summer skin that makes jewellery look even better.
Shop Gold Anklets
Silver Anklets
Clean, cool and quietly modern. A silver anklet adds a minimal jewellery detail to trainers, loafers, denim, white cotton and easy everyday outfits.
Shop Silver Anklets
Charm Anklets
The personal one. Build a charm anklet with symbols, evil eyes, stones or initials — a little jewellery story sitting exactly where the sun can find it.
Shop Charms
Beaded Anklets
Colour, texture and a little holiday energy. Lapis, turquoise and summer stones make beaded anklets feel playful without losing their polish.
Shop Beaded Anklets
Style notes
How to Wear Anklets
The easiest way to wear an anklet is to treat it like any other piece of everyday jewellery. You do not need to save it for the beach, and you do not need to match it perfectly to the rest of your jewellery.
A gold anklet works beautifully with sandals and summer dresses, while a silver anklet adds a cooler touch to trainers, loafers and cropped trousers.
With sandals
Choose a gold chain or charm anklet that catches the light with every step.
With trainers
Try a fine silver anklet or clean paperclip chain for a modern everyday detail.
With heels
Go delicate and minimal, especially with slingbacks or barely-there sandals.
Barefoot
Add beads, charms or evil eye details for that Greek summer mood.
The styling question
Which Ankle Should You Wear an Anklet On?
The simple answer: you can wear an anklet on either ankle.
Traditionally, anklets have carried different meanings in different cultures. In some places, the left ankle was associated with protection, marriage or symbolism. In others, anklets were worn simply as decorative jewellery, status symbols or bridal pieces.
Today, there is no strict rule. Wear your anklet on the ankle that feels most comfortable, works best with your shoes, or shows more naturally with your outfit.
If you like symmetry, wear anklets on both ankles. If you prefer a cleaner look, wear one statement anklet on one side. The modern rule is very simple: your ankle, your jewellery, your choice.
Left ankle
Traditionally linked to symbolism in some cultures, but today mainly a personal style choice.
Right ankle
No universal modern meaning — simply wear it where it feels most natural.
Both ankles
Yes, you can wear anklets on both ankles, especially with fine chains or beach jewellery.
Meaning & symbolism
What Do Anklets Mean?
Anklets have carried different meanings across history and culture — but today, the meaning is beautifully personal.
Anklets have carried different meanings across history and culture. In ancient Egypt, ankle jewellery was often connected to status and beauty. In India, anklets — often called payal — have long been worn as traditional jewellery, especially in bridal and ceremonial dressing. In modern fashion, the meaning is much more personal.
Today, an anklet can symbolise protection, especially when styled with an evil eye charm. It can feel romantic, playful, sensual, nostalgic or simply stylish. For some people, it is a holiday memory. For others, it is an everyday jewellery signature.
The modern meaning of an anklet is beautifully simple: it means whatever you want it to mean. A gold anklet can feel polished. A beaded anklet can feel carefree. A charm anklet can carry your own symbols, stones and stories.
Protection
Evil eye anklets and symbolic charms are often worn as protective jewellery.
Personal style
Anklets can express your taste in a subtle, unexpected way.
Summer memory
A chain around the ankle has a way of feeling like sun, salt and somewhere you want to remember.
Self-expression
Whether minimal, bold, gold, silver or beaded, an anklet is jewellery with personality.
The myth, answered
Do Anklets Have a Sexual Meaning?
In modern fashion, anklets do not automatically have a sexual meaning. While the internet has created plenty of myths around wearing an anklet on the left or right ankle, there is no universal hidden message attached to ankle bracelets today.
Anklets can feel sensual, romantic, playful or bold — but so can a red lipstick, a slip dress or a pair of gold hoops. The meaning depends on the person wearing it, not on an old rumour or a specific ankle.
Today, most people wear anklets because they love the way they look: with sandals, swimwear, cropped trousers, summer dresses or bare feet. A gold anklet might feel polished. A beaded anklet might feel carefree. A charm anklet might feel personal. That is the only meaning that really matters.
Quick answer
No, anklets do not automatically have a sexual meaning. In modern jewellery styling, anklets are mainly worn as fashion pieces, personal symbols or summer accessories.
Fit guide
How Should an Anklet Fit?
An anklet should sit comfortably around the ankle without feeling tight. It should have enough room to move slightly when you walk, but not so much that it slips too low, catches under your heel or feels loose inside your shoe.
The best fit usually sits just below or around the ankle bone. You should be able to fit one finger between the anklet and your skin. If the chain leaves a mark, it is too tight. If it keeps sliding down your foot, it is too loose.
Adjustable anklets are ideal because they let you choose where the chain sits depending on your shoes, outfit or mood.
Just right
Sits comfortably around the ankle and moves slightly when you walk.
Too tight
Feels restrictive, leaves marks or pulls when you move.
Too loose
Slides too far down the foot or catches on sandals and shoes.
Best option
Choose an adjustable anklet if you want a flexible fit.
Everyday wear
Can You Wear Anklets Every Day?
Yes, you can wear anklets every day — as long as they are comfortable, lightweight and made from skin-friendly materials.
For everyday wear, choose an anklet that does not feel heavy around the ankle, does not pull when you walk, and does not irritate the skin. Hypoallergenic, nickel-free jewellery is especially important if you have sensitive skin or plan to wear your anklet often during warmer months.
At Galleria Armadoro, our anklets are designed to feel easy: light on the ankle, polished enough for everyday outfits, and playful enough for holidays. Wear them with sandals, linen trousers, swimwear, trainers or bare feet — just remember that sunscreen, perfume, salt water and chlorine can affect plated jewellery over time, so a little care goes a long way.
If your jewellery ever needs a little extra love, you can read more on our warranty and repairs page.
Best for daily wear
Lightweight chains, adjustable anklets and smooth links that move comfortably with you.
Sensitive skin
Choose hypoallergenic, nickel-free jewellery if you plan to wear your anklet often.
Summer care
Avoid direct contact with perfume, sunscreen, chlorine and salt water when possible.
After wearing
Wipe gently with a soft cloth and store separately to help keep your anklet looking polished.
“Anklets have stepped out of the suitcase and into the everyday jewellery wardrobe — chic, personal and unapologetically yours.
Dimitra Chouliara, Galleria Armadoro Founder
Material guide
What Materials Are Best for Anklets?
The best anklet material depends on how often you want to wear it, your skin sensitivity, and whether you prefer gold, silver, colour or statement chains.
For sensitive skin, choose hypoallergenic and nickel-free jewellery. Sterling silver anklets are a beautiful everyday option because they feel cool, polished and easy to style. Gold-plated anklets give you the warm glow of gold at a more accessible price, while brass anklets can be ideal for bolder chain styles when properly plated and made to skin-safe standards.
Beaded anklets are perfect for adding colour, texture and a more relaxed summer mood — especially with stones like lapis, turquoise or coral-inspired beads.
Want to understand how plated brass jewellery wears over time? Read our brass jewellery guide. For summer styling, sea, sweat and everyday jewellery care, see our waterproof jewellery guide.
Sterling silver
Cool, polished and ideal for everyday styling, especially if you love a clean, modern jewellery look.
Gold plated
Warm, sunlit and perfect for sandals, swimwear, summer dresses and golden-hour styling.
Brass chains
Great for chunkier anklets and bold paperclip styles when properly plated and made to skin-safe standards.
Beaded styles
Colourful, playful and perfect for beach jewellery moments, especially with lapis or turquoise tones.
Make it yours
How to Build a Custom Charm Anklet
A custom charm anklet is one of the easiest ways to make your jewellery feel personal. Start with a base chain, then add charms that say something about you: an evil eye for protection, a heart for romance, a stone for colour, or a symbol that reminds you of a place, a person or a summer you do not want to forget.
The formula is simple: choose your chain, choose your charms, then decide whether you want the look to feel minimal, bold, colourful or very Greek summer.
A paperclip chain gives the anklet a modern, chunky feel — and if you love the link-chain look, you can explore our paperclip chain collection for matching necklaces and bracelets.
Choose your base chain
A paperclip chain gives the anklet a modern, chunky feel.
Add your charms
Choose evil eyes, hearts, stones, symbols or initials.
Pick your mood
Keep it minimal with one charm or make it playful with a small cluster.
Style it your way
Wear it with sandals, swimwear, linen or matching chain jewellery.
Shop the edit
Shop the Anklet Edit
A few anklets do most of the work. One gold chain, one silver chain, one beaded piece and one charm-ready base can take you from beach days to city evenings without overthinking the jewellery drawer.
Large Link Gold Anklet
The statement gold chain. Bold enough to be noticed, easy enough to wear with sandals, linen and summer skin.
Shop Now
Large Link Silver Anklet
Cool, clean and modern. The silver anklet that works with denim, trainers, white cotton and minimal summer looks.
Shop Now
Cara Gold Chain Anklet
The delicate gold base. Wear it alone for quiet shine or add charms when the jewellery story gets personal.
Shop Now
Lapis Bead Anklet
Colour, texture and a little Greek summer mood. A beaded anklet made for bare ankles and blue-sky days.
Shop Now
Paperclip Anklet with Vittoria Charm
The charm moment. A gold paperclip anklet finished with a sculptural charm for jewellery that feels personal.
Shop Now
Evil Eye Charm Anklet
Protective, symbolic and very summer. The evil eye anklet is a little superstition, made chic.
Shop NowAnklet questions, answered
FAQs About Anklets
From meaning and fit to styling, metals and everyday wear — consider this your little ankle-bracelet cheat sheet.
What is an anklet?
An anklet is a piece of jewellery worn around the ankle. It is also called an ankle bracelet and can be made from gold, silver, beads, pearls, charms, cord or chain.
What ankle should you wear an anklet on?
You can wear an anklet on either ankle. There is no modern rule — choose the side that feels most comfortable, works best with your shoes or shows more naturally with your outfit.
What does an anklet on the left ankle mean?
In some traditions, the left ankle has been linked to symbolism, protection or marriage, but today most people wear an anklet on the left ankle simply because they like the way it looks.
What does an anklet on the right ankle mean?
There is no universal modern meaning for wearing an anklet on the right ankle. In contemporary jewellery styling, it is mainly a personal fashion choice.
Do anklets have a sexual meaning?
No, anklets do not automatically have a sexual meaning. In modern fashion, they are mainly worn as jewellery pieces, personal symbols or summer accessories.
Can you wear anklets on both ankles?
Yes, you can wear anklets on both ankles. For a balanced look, choose two fine chains, or wear one statement anklet on one side and a more delicate piece on the other.
Are anklets still in style?
Yes. Anklets are very much in style, especially gold anklets, silver chain anklets, beaded anklets, paperclip anklets and charm anklets styled with sandals, trainers, swimwear and linen.
Are anklets only for summer?
No. Anklets are most popular in summer, but they can be worn all year with cropped trousers, loafers, ballet flats, heels, holiday outfits and evening looks.
Can I wear an anklet every day?
Yes, you can wear an anklet every day if it is comfortable, lightweight and made from skin-friendly materials. Hypoallergenic and nickel-free jewellery is best for frequent wear.
How tight should an anklet be?
An anklet should sit comfortably around the ankle and move slightly when you walk. You should be able to fit one finger between the anklet and your skin.
What is the best anklet for sensitive skin?
The best anklet for sensitive skin is hypoallergenic and nickel-free. Sterling silver, gold vermeil and high-quality plated jewellery are good options when made to skin-safe standards.
How do you clean an anklet?
Wipe your anklet gently with a soft dry cloth after wearing it. Avoid direct contact with perfume, sunscreen, chlorine and salt water where possible, and store it separately to prevent tangling.
Final note
The Anklet Is Small, But It Knows Exactly What It’s Doing
Anklets are no longer just holiday jewellery. They are part of the modern jewellery wardrobe: light, personal, playful and surprisingly versatile.
Wear one with sandals. Stack two with swimwear. Add charms. Mix metals. Let a silver chain peek out from tailoring. Let a gold paperclip anklet catch the sun. Let an evil eye charm travel with you.
The anklet is not trying to be the loudest piece in the room.
It is just usually the one people notice.
More jewellery stories
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