Silver stories: Silver anklets spin a whole range of wellness benefits that we should not ignore

By Mr. Amit Gilra, Associate Director, Augmont Gold For All

The last two months gave us a teaser into the second wave of COVID-19 and all weddings were postponed. Now with every market segment opening up in a full-fledged manner, the weddings and celebrations have begun in full swing. But look closer at the weddings that take place in small towns or in the rural side, the women there have big dreams too. However, most often they can not afford gold, and silver becomes their alternative. It is their most preferred precious metal, with silver anklets going big on popularity.  The demand for silver is increasing considerably and it caters to the need of many Indian rural households.   Bharat and silver connectedness is not due to the cost factor alone but due to the belief and traditions that are followed by rural families

Jewellery accounts for over 34% of the total silver market, with anklets being the most popular ornament. Now as Indians, we are all obsessed with gold but anklets made out of the yellow metal are never worn on feet as it symbolizes the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. And hence, anklets and toe rings are only made out of silver.

Though the modern-day payals are heavily focused on beautification, they are in our lives for a whole lot of reasons. Besides the beauty factor, the reason women in small towns wear silver anklets, irrespective of whether they are married or not. I say small towns because that’s where the tradition still continues to thrive though it is beginning to fade away gradually.

The significance that anklets carry has been diluted in the cities and is limited to weddings. In the southern part of India silver is used as gifts and as holy puja items during the naming ceremony of babies, engagement ceremonies, and even during pujas during major Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi. According to Indian Ancient astrologers, Silver is associated with the moon. It is believed that silver was produced from the eyes of Lord Shiva due to which Silver is a symbol of prosperity. So whosoever wears silver is fulfilled with prosperity according to traditions.

More than an ornament, less than a medicine

While anklets are of prime importance in Indian culture, the ornament also finds a prominent place in ancient cultures of Egypt and the Middle East. This is because it goes beyond beauty and fetches us benefits in aspects of health and overall wellbeing.

Silver is a reactive metal and it reflects and reverts back the energy radiated from one’s body. Most of our energies leave our bodies from hands and feet and metals like silver, bronze act as a hindrance, helping the energy revibrant back into our bodies. This helps to gain more positivity and zeal. According to Ayurveda and modern science, silver reacts well with the Earth’s energy, while gold reacts well with the body’s energy and aura. Therefore, silver is worn as anklets or toe rings while gold is used to adorn the upper parts of the body

Looking back at history, silver was identified for its antibacterial properties. Thousands of years ago, when sailors used to travel on long voyages, they used to carry silver coins with them, rest those coins in their bottles of water. They used to drink the silver-induced water as it was a good disinfectant. Silver ions destroy bacterial sheaths and this is a major reason why women even in tier 2 and 3 cities invest in silver anklets.

Additionally, women spend a huge amount of time standing in the kitchen and toiling in the household chores. They often end up with swollen or painful feet. The pain travels through the lower back spine all the way to the legs. Silver aids blood circulation and since it is on our feet, the foundation of our bodies, it keeps pacifying the weakness of our legs.

Besides these benefits, there is ongoing research to prove that silver strengthens immunity and also balances hormonal levels. This is one of the reasons why in our country married women wear silver toe rings – it maintains a healthy uterus, fortifying the reproductive process, and also eases menstrual pains.

So whether you reside in a city or small town, married or single, there is no bar to invest in silver jewellery, especially anklets. While it is important to revive traditions and keep them alive, it is time we allow the traditions to work for us by imbibing them into our lives, once again.

The author is the Associate Director, at Augmont Gold For All, a revolutionizing, leading gold-tech platform.

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