Sterling Silver Anklet Styles
Sterling silver anklets offer a bright, cool-toned shine that looks beautiful against bare skin, especially during warm-weather months. Cable chain anklets are the most classic style—simple interlocking links that drape softly around the ankle with a clean, understated elegance. Figaro anklets bring a rhythmic, Italian-inspired pattern with their alternating short-and-long link design. Rope chain anklets offer a richer, more textured look with their twisted strands catching light from every angle. Singapore chain anklets feature a diamond-cut twist that creates exceptional sparkle, making them one of the most eye-catching styles in silver. Charm anklets add personality with dangling accents—hearts, stars, bells, dolphins, seashells, and evil eye charms are all popular choices that move and jingle with every step. For a bolder look, Cuban link and curb chain anklets in sterling silver deliver a modern, fashion-forward aesthetic at an accessible price point.
Choosing the Right Sterling Silver Anklet
Start with sizing. Measure around your ankle just above the ankle bone with a flexible tape measure or string. Add half an inch to one inch for a comfortable, relaxed fit—the anklet should move freely but not slide over your foot. Standard women's anklet lengths run 9 to 11 inches, with 9.5 to 10 inches being the most common fit. Next, consider your lifestyle: if you plan to wear your anklet all summer long, choose a sturdier chain style like rope, curb, or cable in at least 2mm width. For occasional wear or dressier occasions, a delicate Singapore or box chain makes an elegant choice. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, which makes it strong enough for daily ankle wear while maintaining a brilliant shine. Consider whether you want a plain chain or a charm style—charm anklets add fun and personality but may catch on certain footwear.
Sterling Silver Anklets for Every Season
Anklets are most associated with summer—and for good reason. They look stunning with sandals, flip-flops, and bare feet, drawing attention to tanned ankles and pedicured toes. A simple sterling silver cable chain or a sparkling Singapore chain is the perfect beach and vacation accessory. But anklets aren't just for summer. In spring and fall, they peek out from cropped jeans, ankle boots, and ballet flats for a subtle style detail that shows you pay attention to the details. For evenings out year-round, a sterling silver anklet adds an unexpected, sophisticated touch with heels, strappy sandals, or dressy open-toe shoes. Layering two or three thin sterling silver anklets at slightly different lengths is a popular trend that creates a boho-luxe look for music festivals, beach weddings, and vacation styling. Sterling silver's affordable price makes it easy to build a collection for different moods and occasions. For more about caring for silver, visit our silver education page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size sterling silver anklet should I buy?
Measure around your ankle just above the ankle bone with a flexible tape or string. Most women measure between 8.5 and 9.5 inches at the ankle. Add about one inch for a standard relaxed fit. The most commonly purchased anklet length is 10 inches, which fits the majority of women comfortably. If you prefer a snugger fit, add only half an inch to your measurement. If you like a looser, more bohemian drape, add a full inch to an inch and a half. When in doubt, go up rather than down—an anklet that's too tight is uncomfortable and puts constant stress on the chain, which can lead to breakage over time.
Will sterling silver anklets tarnish?
Sterling silver can tarnish over time when exposed to air, moisture, and certain chemicals. However, anklets that are worn regularly actually tarnish less than those that sit in a drawer, because the friction of everyday wear keeps the surface polished. To minimize tarnishing, remove your anklet before swimming in chlorinated or salt water, avoid contact with sunscreen and lotions while wearing it, and store it in an anti-tarnish pouch or ziplock bag when not in use. If tarnish does develop, it's easy to remove with a silver polishing cloth or a simple baking soda paste. Many of our sterling silver pieces also come with a rhodium or anti-tarnish coating that extends the time between cleanings.
Can I wear a sterling silver anklet in the ocean?
We don't recommend it. Salt water accelerates tarnishing on sterling silver and can corrode the metal over time, especially at solder joints and the clasp mechanism. Sand can also scratch the surface and get lodged in chain links. If you want an anklet specifically for beach and ocean wear, remove your sterling silver anklet before getting in the water and put it back on afterward. If it does get exposed to salt water accidentally, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water and dry it completely as soon as possible. For an anklet you never want to take off at the beach,
gold is a better choice since it doesn't react to salt water.
How do I keep my sterling silver anklet shiny?
The best preventive measure is wearing it regularly—the natural friction against your skin and clothing keeps the surface bright. When you take it off, store it in an anti-tarnish bag or a small ziplock bag with the air squeezed out to limit exposure to moisture and air. Remove the anklet before applying lotion, sunscreen, perfume, or bug spray, as these products accelerate tarnishing. To clean, use a silver polishing cloth to gently buff the surface—this removes light tarnish and restores shine in seconds. For deeper cleaning, soak in warm water with mild dish soap for a few minutes, gently brush with a soft toothbrush, rinse, and dry thoroughly. Professional cleaning once or twice a year restores the original mirror finish.
Is sterling silver strong enough for an anklet?
Yes. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver alloyed with 7.5% copper (or other metals), which gives it significantly more strength and hardness than pure silver. It's strong enough for anklets as long as you choose an appropriate chain style and width. We recommend a chain width of at least 1.5mm for daily anklet wear—rope, cable, and curb chains are the sturdiest options. Very delicate chains under 1mm are more prone to breakage at the ankle because anklets endure more physical stress than necklaces and bracelets from walking, contact with shoes, and getting caught on fabric. With a quality chain in a reasonable width, a sterling silver anklet will hold up well to regular wear.