Anklets or payals have embellished feminine feet in Indian culture for millennia with intricate artisanship in gold, silver and luxury metals interpreted through diverse regional sensibilities. Beyond the realms of traditional jewelry, modern payal styles fuse old world charm with contemporary twists for today’s fashion forward woman seeking to make a statement.
Let’s explore 10 unique payal designs that are creating new waves at the intersection of craft, culture and cutting-edge vogue.
The Comeback Classic: Single Strand payal design
In stark contrast to the heavyweight multi-layered anklets draping both feet since ages – the lightweight single strand payal secured on one ankle signals newfound liberation. This minimal design rapidly emerging from runways to retail among Gen Z return the humble payal into focus but with modern functionality.
Delicate 14k gold or 925 silver chains as thin as 2mm flashed discreetly under flared jeans or lehenga cholis balance both tradition and understated chic. Whether dotted Swiss dots, micro leaf motifs or plain rounded links — the comeback classic payal offers effortless incorporation into on trend looks without overpowering your style persona.
The Mix & Match Payal Set
For the experimental fashionistas that wish to switch up looks from traditional to contemporary or casual to formal settings — the new mix and match payal set offers versatile styling solutions.
A anklet wardrobe if you may across gold, oxidized silver, gemstones, kundan and polki sets allows creating payal stacks as unique as your mood.
Kaleidoscopic stones like ruby, emerald, sapphire infused into intrinsic south Indian temple jewelry payals contrast brilliantly against uncut diamond polki links from Rajasthani royalty. The bohemian possibilities stay endless when blending tribes, traditions and eras effortlessly through mix and match payal pairings.
The Textured Tale Payal
Looking beyond the realms of regular gold or silver chains — the textured tale payal employs artisanal craftsmanship by incorporating beaded, meenakari, Jodhpuri lacquer or crochet threading for the anklet base in striking relief.
Intricate patterns etched onto metal surfaces through skilled enameling or miniature beadwork transforms the humble payal into an ochre hued Rajasthani memorabilia for the feet. Alternately, glowing glass beads infusing Kutch tribal vibrancy lend color pops against neutral toned kurtis effortlessly blending ethnic with everyday style.
Textural variations elevate the conventional payal design to uncharted artistry levels for the experimentalists daring to be different!
The Twinning Toe Ring Payal
As toe rings increasingly enter fashion wardrobes far beyond just wedding symbols — the buzzy toe ring payal synchronizes ankle and feet adornments for doubled impact!
Petite paisley motifs circling the big toe mirror larger identical paisleys dangling off the payal around the ankles. The effect both draws eyes downwards in continuity while aligning motif patterns ingeniously.
Beyond embedded jewelry, temporary alternatives like paint or sticker toe rings also accentuate twinning potential for those seeking short term festivity flair. For the minimalists, even plain solid bands aligned in thickness and sheen with simple chain payals packs a coordinated punch.
The Constellation Lover’s Payal
Bring childhood dreams to adult ankles by embracing celestial inspired silver payals etched with your favorite zodiac symbols, lucky stars or Initials within quirky astronomy motifs.
Whether Capricorn goat signs, Pisces fishes, Leo sun symbols or your shared sun signs with your partner — etched metal constellations add unique personalization for the starry eyed millennials perennially chasing the moon!
The Customized Birthstone Payal
Similar to celestial plots, choose payals exquisitely embedding your lucky birthstone mined across the world’s mines from rubies to sapphires. Or develop visual representation of important milestones in life through customized zirconia or polki patterns crafted for your eyes only.
Beyond ready designs, Bespoke Payal artisans help etch emotional memories, numerical dates, couples initials or custom graphics into precious gold and silver bands bringing deeply personal storytelling to your anklets!
The Functional Fitness Payal
For the athletic divas who enjoy expressing individuality during intensive workouts or yoga asanas — the functional fitness payal ups the glam quotient without hindering mobility.
Snake chains with adjustable links allow optimal circulation and flexible movement while still retaining delicate visual allure. Hollow gold baubles adorned with movable spheres create sound accents when in motion without feeling heavy or restrictive.
Textured rubber chains in multiples of three anchored by petal motifs fuse fitness funk with floral femininity flawlessly to inspire the sporty fashionistas sweating in style!
The Teardrop Couture Payal
Drawing inspiration from lavish chandeliers, the teardrop couture payal incorporates rows of encrusted Swarovski baguettes, Baroque pearls or polished Zircons for bling worthy of red carpets.
Grand teardrops infused with crushed diamonds or colored gems protrude boldly from broad 18k gold bands for those desiring attention grabbing ankle baubles that make a luxurious style statement!
The Bohemian Beaded Payal Set
Channel your freespirited Indie spirit by embracing long, fluid payal silhouettes crafted in wood, bone, resin or semi-precious stones indigenous to tropical landscapes.
Organically shaped beads in varied sizes almost recreate the rhythm of melodious ankle bells as you sashay wearing generous, earthy materials fusing tribal Exoticism with boho chicness.
For beach vacations or destination weddings — composite beaded anklets reconcile natural materials with contemporary femininity.
The Medieval Coin Payal
History buffs rejoice while reimagining bygone eras through the medieval coin payal crafted using vintage monetized metal disks, antiquated locks and keys as central charms.
Gold payals embedding Mughal era coins or Victorian dime pieces contrast intriguingly against gothic wrought iron chains and locket carriers for an offbeat anklet reflecting cross century allure!
The Occasionwear Payal Set
Finally we come to the Hallmark payal set specially created keeping celebratory occasions in mind — be it headturning wedding wear or glitzy festive dressing!
Lavish inlaid meenakari enamel Lotuses, intricately textured golden leaves or navratan gemstones coalesce in finery plastered 22 karats gold bridal payals synonymous with milestone moments in an Indian woman’s lifecycle.
Heavy double feet Payals or broad armlet bangles dominate occasion wear wardrobes where going bold blends beautifully with the brides cultural legacy. Rightly termed statement anklets — these elaborate occasion centric designs epitomize Indian jewelry’s unwavering affiliation with auspicious celebrations!
