Viking Knit Neck Torc - Copper, Celtic Torq or Torque - wire woven necklace -large

Viking Knit Neck Torc - Copper, Celtic Torq or Torque - wire woven necklace

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. I have combined a classic torc design with strong, robust Viking knit chain. Nearly 1,300 years ago, Vikings used long pieces of silver and gold wire to weave ropes. These woven wire ropes were then stretched and made into jewellery for powerful Viking leaders. This wire weaving is called Viking knit (or trichinopoly chain).

This understated, stylish neck torc is made with a copper core wire, which I have hand forged, spiraling and hammering the ends. The body of the torc is covered with a thick, double Viking knit chain, which I have finished with 2 handmade wire cones.

This torc can be worn either way round.

The Torc is 16” long, with a 2 1/2” gap (total length 18 1/2”) and an inner circumference of 17”. The chain is 1/4” wide.

This item comes in a jewellery box.