Traditional, but trendy at the same time – Toe Rings are no simpletons in the world of fashion. This festive season, get gorgeous from head to toe in these trendy toe ring designs and celebrate in style.

Before we get into the trend and style of toe rings for women, here is look at the accessory’s story and significance.

In the western world, toe rings are a fairly new addition to jewellery options adorning your body. But in many cultures across the world, these tiny pieces of metal rings hold deeper meaning and significance. In India, especially, toe rings are important for married women in various parts of the country. The names may differ, but the idea and importance placed on toe rings during wedding ceremonies and after marriage, remains largely similar.

Without much adieu, let’s get into the heart of the matter and understand why toe rings hold such an important place in Indian culture.

Toe Ring Designs for Women in India

India as a country and culture has been big on adorning the body with jewels and trinkets as far as memory goes. We are a set of vibrant people awaiting festivity and cheer around every corner. It’s only natural that self-adornment has seeped in deep into our daily lives. From maang tikkas and Pasas to kamarbandhs and payals, there are several jewellery pieces and styles unique to the sub-continent.

Toe Ring Designs are yet another part of this prided in-house collection. They are mostly worn on the second toe – as it is mostly the longest of toes and the easiest to put a ring on. Other than the commonly used silver toe rings, toe rings come in a wide variety material, from gold to fancy black metal. The style and intricacy also vary from a simple adjustable toe rings to elaborate anklets with toe ring attachments.

Toe ring significance, especially for India’s majority Hindus, come from Ramayana. It is mentioned in the ancient book that when Sita was abducted by Ravana, she left behind her toe ring on the way, to help Lord Ram track her down. This inspiring story gave toe rings a prized position in the minds and lives of married women; the tradition and significance continues to this day among the Hindu community. In various sub-cultures and regions of today’s India, husbands put toe rings on both feet of their wives, during the wedding ceremony. Much like the Sindoor and Mangalsutra, the toe ring is worn as a symbol of married status by Hindu women.

Toe rings for women in India take on several different names in various states and their languages — most commonly, Bichiya in the northern Hindi speaking states and down south as Minji in Malayalam, Mettelu in Telugu, Metti/Kanaiyazhi in Tamil and Kalungura in Kannada.

According to the Hindu culture and tradition, Toe rings are made in pairs for the second toe of both feet and mostly in silver. Traditionally gold is revered in the Hindu culture and may not be worn below the waist; hence silver is the most commonly used material for toe ring designs. However, this view is slowly changing and precious gold toe ring designs are now being made available to match the modern Indian woman’s needs.

The ornate traditional designs are still favoured for wedding ceremonies, however more contemporary toe ring designs are also making their way to auspicious occasions for the modern bride. Bichiya sets sometimes come with interlinked toe rings for multiple toes. These designs are more elaborate and less functional and hence relegated to wedding festivities or other celebrations alone, these days. Most married women never remove the toe rings that their husbands give them on their wedding day. This is a major reason for the popularity of less elaborate and adjustable toe rings.

Here are our top 6 picks of the trendiest traditional Indian toe ring designs for this festive season:

Flower Style

Splurge on style this festive season with these adjustable toe rings in a floral design studded with crystals and gems. Indian celebrations are meant to be loud and there is no need to reign in your love for stand out jewellery. This gold toned toe ring design is as elaborately simple for every festive occasion. You don’t have to wait for a wedding in the family to sport these miniature marvels. Pair it up with a saree or salwar kameez, the Indian vibe is guaranteed from head to toe. Make sure you wear open sandals or go barefoot to show it off. Add a bit of contrasting colour to your toe nails to create that perfect blend of vibrance and sparkle.

Kundan Toe Rings

Looking for something discreet and discrete? This gold toe ring is ideal for your style sensibilities. Easily adaptable for everyday wearing, these toe rings for women is a functional and comfy adornment for your feet. Wear them with strappy sandals or kolhapuri chappals for maximum desi style. Apart from traditional outfits, these fitted toe ring design also goes well with jeans and any other western wear.

Crystal Based Toe Rings

Gold and silver too risky for your feet? Try out these less costly crystal studded double band toe ring combo for your festivities or daily wear style. White crystals adorning the simple fitted toe ring design is the perfect fit for any occasion.With just a hint of glimmer, but tiny enough to get noticed right away, this toe ring design is your go to mate for the “less-is-more” outlook.

Toe Ring cum Anklet

This anklet with toe ring attached is a must have for all your uber desi parties. Bring on the bling in this silver toe ring anklet studded with sparkling crystals is pure celebration material – be it a grand Diwali party or your best friends wedding. Dancy away the night to the tinkling of style down to your toes. Pair up with a designer lehenga or gharara to complete the desi diva look.

Enamel Based Toe Rings

Liven up your traditional silver toe rings with a splash of colour from studded stones and crystals. Go for unusual hues like blue or violet to break the monotony of white silver that may not suit every skin tone. For special occasions, you could match your adjustable toe rings with the theme of your outfit. Pair up a ruby red stone studded rose gold toe ring with a bright red kanjivaram saree for the perfect match or create contrast with a silver toe ring anklet.

Trendy Toe Ring

To make a truly unique style statement with your traditional silver toe ring, go for a vintage jewellery piece like this. This antique silver toe ring design is a one-of-a-kind find from another era – sure to flatter your feet in the modern celebratory settings. Can be worn on a everyday basis or treated to the position of pride on special occasions and festivals.

Toe Rings in the Western World

In the western world, toe rings have no cultural significance and is purely used for adornment purposes. Adjustable toe rings with a gap at the bottom are the norm and are usually worn as a single piece rather than in pairs. Fashionable toe rings are nowadays available in rubber, non-precious metal etc, apart from less commonly used gold and silver. The fashion accessory is a stylish accompaniment to barefoot sandles and flip flops. Anklet toe rings are also a favourite among fashionistas across the world and largely inspired by its Indian origins.

Apparently, in the USA, toe rings were introduced by Marjorie Borell in the 70s. She began manufacturing and selling toe ring designs, inspired by her travels to India. Her first retail outlet, Fiorucci, was located on 59th Street in New York. The “Original Toe Ring Boutique” sold toe rings in silver, gold and also with diamonds. Borell’s toe rings eventually made it to the selling counters of Bloomingdale’s and many other retail outlets. However, her designs could not be patented and hence Borell moved onto other ventures, but retains the title of “Toe Ring Lady.”

Here’s our pick of the most inspiring non-traditional toe ring designs used widely across the world

Glow in the Dark

Fanciest first. As mentioned before, in the western world toe rings are simply fashion fantasy and does not carry any traditional significance. Hence, there are no specific rules to follow – wear one, wear two, wear as many as you want in any colour, shape or material. In today’s India, the modern Indian women (both married and unmarried) prefer the same for fashion’s sake. The fancier, the better – like this glow in the dark floral toe ring design waiting to be sold out. The sterling silver toe ring is perfect match for both party scenes, as well as day wear.

Simple Toe Rings

Love minimalist style and want to share a message along with it? This infinity silver toe ring is your match. The barely there toe ring design is an easy addition to your everyday style. Its silver and so you can always substitute a pair for your traditional needs too. Wear it with popping nail paint on your toes for a cool match. Comfy and functional, you wouldn’t want to take this off your feet.

Beaded Toe Rings

Gold and silver toe rings not your thing? Try these pearl stretchable beaded toe ring designs and stack them up for maximum style. Goes well with both ethnic outfits and casuals too. The stretchable band makes it easy to wear and comfy on your toe. No more ring marks and injuries. Also, if you are just starting to experiment with toe ring designs, this could be a good place to get started with something snug on your toes,

Pearl Anklet and Toe Ring

If you are up for toe rings with anklets, but don’t want to go anywhere near the traditional chunky metal designs, this beaded anklet toe ring design is a must have in your jewellery box. A great way to subtly accessorise your fusion wear skirts and palazzo for the appropriate desi look with modern comfort.

Metallic Anklet Toe Ring

If you want a little more drama, try this anklet toe ring with metallic chain design. Perfect for those barefoot dance routines at a bestie’s wedding or family fun night of lighting diyas and making rangoli at home. You can also double it up as ago to accessory for beach parties and give them a taste of sand and sea.

Twin Toe Rings

This festive season, if your feminine vibes are strong on adornment, go full out and put no stop to style – get multiple toe rings in a row for three or more toes and sparkle with confidence.

Toe Rings for Men

In India, Tamil culture allowed both men and women to wear toe rings; though in the case of men simpler styles are used for comfort as opposed to elaborate and detailed toe ring designs for married women. The practice started in ancient times when people used to walk around bare foot and the metti worn by a tamil man is a symbol of his married status, as was Kanaiyazhi to married women.  

Mirrored toe rings were popular in the 19th century among men and women worn for decorative purposes than as a symbol of matrimony. A large ring was worn on the great toe of the left foot to indicate marital status, while some men wore it purely for curative purposes or to show off their masculinity. These toe ring designs for men were mostly easily removable hoops than rings.

Toe Ring Benefits

According to Ayurveda, apart from a symbol of marital status and adornment purpose, toe rings are associated with health and well being as well. They are indicated to be worn to regulate the menstrual cycle and this aid conception. It is also said that the slight pressure on the second toe ensures a healthy uterus. Some also say that the pressure felt on the toes ease pain during intercourse as well. Unmarried Hindu girls wear toe rings on the third toe, which is said to ease menstrual pain.