Asymetrical open swirl copper neck torc

This asymmetrical neck torc is designed so that the larger spiral sits centrally and the smaller one is off center. the layered effect creates a flowing design on the neck collar.

Made with very thick wire, I start by hand shaping the piece, which has a single band of wire, finished with a hammered swirl design. I then begin the long process of carefully hammering the copper wire all the way round, so that it is evenly shaped. Then the swirls 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. Then I carefully hammer a textured finish onto the whole piece

Then the embellishment swirls are created and secured into place, these create the flow of the design. I have then woven small sections with thinner copper wire to add a contrast to the texture of the smooth hammered wire. Small copper beads that graduate in size have also been added.

Once the shaping of the torc is complete, I begin filing and sanding, so that the ends are perfectly smooth, making it comfortable when against the skin. Once it is finished, 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 17”. The large swirl is 1 2/3” tall. This design is adjustable, so it is possible to make it larger or smaller, but large adjustments will affect the alignment of the torc.

I have added a patina to this piece to really highlight the detail.

This item comes in a jewellery box.