Anklet
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An anklet, ankle chain, or ankle bracelet, is an ornament worn around the ankle. Anklets historically have been worn for centuries by unmarried women in India, though in the United States both casual and more formal anklets became fashionable in the late twentieth century. While in western popular culture both younger men and women may wear casual leather anklets, they are more popular among women, and more formal anklets (silver, gold, beads) are almost exclusively confined to women's fashion.
[edit] As an ornament
The anklet is meant to draw attention to the wearer's legs, ankles and feet. Apart from the aesthetic considerations, it is often meant for attracting the male's attention. They are sometimes worn with toerings—a ring placed on the toe in order to attract attention to the feet. However, there is debate as to what exactly is the attractant: the jewelry itself, the sound it makes or the combination. The preference most likely varies from person to person, though cultural norms might also have influence over attractant. Foot fetishists often are attracted to women who wear anklets and toe rings; some those who wear anklets do so purposely to attract such fetishists. More so, the person who is just simply aroused at anklets might have something else that is arousing him.
Anklets can be made of silver, gold, and other less precious metals as well as leather, plastic, nylon and other such materials. In the western world anklets or ankle chains are mainly worn by younger females, but some older women also wear them.
Metal anklets are of two types - flexible and inflexible. The flexible ones, often called pajeb or jhanjhar in India, are made by tying links in a chain. Subsequently, sonorous bells can be attached to the chain, so that the wearer can make pleasing sounds while walking. Inflexible ones are usually created by giving shape to a flat metal sheet.
[edit] Left or right?
A survey carried out recently in the UK determined that most anklets are worn on the right ankle. The statistics were: 87% right ankle and 13% left. Perhaps this is due to more people being right-handed. Although in eastern cultures, anklets are worn on both ankles.
[edit] Debate about sound(s) qualifying as an aphrodisiac
There is debate as to if the sounds generated by anklets attract male's attention and if these sounds actually work as an aphrodisiac. Personal preferences play a significant role in the function of anklet chimes functioning as an aphrodisiac.
[edit] Sexual connotation
Some women involved in the "Hotwife" or "Cuckold" lifestyle wear an anklet on their right ankle as a signal to others in the lifestyle that she is available. Other signals commonly used in this manner include wearing a toe ring on the second biggest toe of the right foot and a thumb ring on the left hand [citation needed]. These signals are codes that might only be understood by those in the lifestyle; many women wearing anklets for ornamentation might not be aware of these signals.
[edit] In scuba diving
Scuba divers sometimes wear lead anklets to stop a tendency for their legs to float up when diving in a drysuit.
