Elegant Jewelry for Your Ankle
Anklets — fine chains worn around the ankle — are one of the most overlooked categories in fine jewelry. While trends in other jewelry categories are well-documented, anklets occupy a quieter space: subtle, personal, and seasonally relevant. Here is what to know about this underrated piece.
Types of Anklets
- Simple chain anklet: A delicate gold or silver chain. The most versatile and wearable option. Cable, box, or Singapore chain styles work best at this scale
- Diamond station anklet: A chain with small diamonds set at intervals. Adds subtle sparkle to the ankle. Elegant and feminine
- Charm anklet: A chain with small decorative charms. More casual and playful than plain or diamond anklets
- Multi-strand anklet: Two or three thin chains layered together for a fuller look. Creates more visual presence without bulk
Sizing
- Standard women's anklet: 9-10 inches. This fits comfortably with approximately 0.5-1 inch of slack
- How to measure: Wrap a string around your ankle bone (the widest point of your ankle), add 0.5-1 inch for comfort, and that is your size
- Adjustable: Many anklets come with an extension chain (1-2 inches) that allows size adjustment
When to Wear
- Summer: Open-toed shoes, sandals, and bare feet make anklets visible and season-appropriate. This is peak anklet season
- Beach and vacation: An anklet adds a touch of jewelry to a swimsuit or beach outfit. Gold and sterling silver handle water well (just rinse after saltwater)
- Casual warm-weather outfits: Shorts, skirts, and dresses that expose the ankle make anklets visible and relevant
Materials
- 14K gold: The premium option. Will not tarnish, can handle water and sweat, lasts indefinitely. Worth the investment for a piece you wear all summer
- 10K gold: More affordable gold option with excellent durability. Slightly harder than 14K, making it a good choice for the active wear anklets get
- Sterling silver: Beautiful and affordable. May tarnish faster on the ankle due to sweat and friction with shoes. Clean regularly
Styling
- One anklet is elegant. Two on the same ankle can look intentional if they differ in style (one plain, one with diamonds)
- Wear on either ankle — there is no tradition or rule dictating which ankle
- A fine anklet pairs naturally with toe rings, sandals, and minimalist summer style