Swirl Neck torc or collar necklace - Sterling Silver

Neck Torc - Sterling Silver, Celtic and Viking Torq or Torque

Torcs, also called Torq or Torque, were worn in ancient Briton and Europe, some 2000 years ago, particularly by the Gauls and Vikings. They were generally a single piece or strands of metal, twisted together, to form a large, rigid ring.

This asymmetrical neck torc is designed so that the spiral locks into place with the curve on the opposite end, closing the collar and creating a love knot effect.

Made with very thick 10 gauge wire, I start by hand shaping the piece, which has a single band of metal, finished with a hammered spiral design. I then begin the long process of carefully hammering the silver wire all the way round, so that it is evenly shaped. Then the spirals are hammered, to flatten the wire and shaped, to give them a slight curve, so that it sits comfortably. The hammering not only adds detail, but it also hardens the piece into shape.

Once the shaping of the torc is complete, I begin filing and sanding, so that the ends are perfectly smooth and the metal has a mirror finish. Once it is complete, the torc is tumbled, to clean and polish it and then hand polished, with an anti tarnish agent, to bring it to a high shine.

This torc has an inside circumference of 15 1/2”. The front detail is 2 1/3” tall.

This item comes in a jewellery box.