Asymetrical Viking Snake copper neck torc

This asymmetrical Viking snake neck torc is designed so that the end with the snake head sits centrally and the tail end is off center.

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).

Made with very thick 8 gauge wire, I start by hand shaping the piece, which has a single band of wire, finished with a hammered snake 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 snake is 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. The body of the torc is covered with a thick, double Viking knit chain, which I have finished with 2 handmade wire cones.

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.

Small torc has an inside circumference of 16 1/2”. It measures 1 1/3” tall from the top curve of the snake to the head.
Medium torc has an inside circumference of 17 1/2”. It measures 1 1/3” tall from the top curve of the snake to the head.

This design is adjustable, so it is possible to make it larger or smaller, but large adjustments will affect the alignment of the snake.

This item comes in a gift box.