An anklet is a piece of jewelry worn around the ankle, similar to how a bracelet wraps around the wrist. Anklets can be simple chains, colorful beaded strings, or decorated with charms and shells. People have worn them for thousands of years in cultures around the world, from ancient Egypt to India to many Native American communities.

Some anklets jingle softly when you walk because they have tiny bells attached. Others are braided friendship anklets that friends make for each other at summer camp, often using embroidery thread in bright colors. In many places, anklets are just fun accessories that people wear with sandals or at the beach. In some cultures, they carry special meanings: in parts of India, married women traditionally wear silver anklets, and the gentle jingling announces their presence as they move through the house.