torcs

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

OK, so a torc is just a metal necklace? And I reallt don't want to hear any posts about it is really a man's jewelry item or other some such nonsense. I have never heard of a torc before and am trying to relate it to something I recognize.

I do think it looks kind of cool, but I am curious about the history (yeah, kind of ironic, hunnh?)

[Southern Breeze]

Until I read this thread I thought torcs were something from The Lord of The Rings...there's plenty scenes where they mention T'orcs. ;)

[GlassMan]

Torcs are ancient celtic men's decorative jewelry. Being difficult to make, of expensive metals, and often embellished with jewels or fine carvings torcs were pretty much restricted to chiefs and nobles. Because of their close connection to the pagan past once Christianity set in they were abandoned.

Personally I've always wanted one and I'm glad to see where I can get one now!

[GlassMan]

I did just notice something on their site. They tell the storry of Prince Llewellyn's hound however they substitute Grey Hound for Wolf Hound. Let's give the Wolf Hound it's heroic due.

[Yaish]

A torc is more than just a metal necklace, specifically its a necklace that has been made from multiple strands of twisted wire and which forms an open circle when in the closed position.

It is usually placed about the neck by a twisting motion to open the ends a bit wider, then twisted back to shape.

They can be made a lot of ways, but one of the most common is to twist three thin wires around each other, then take three strands of this triple twist wire (not braided, just twisted) is then twisted once again into a single thick wire. Decorative end caps are usually added though plain balls or barrel ends are common enough.


Torcs can be fantastically expensive too. I saw some for sale and the smaller ones went for over $300. Of course when you figure in the sheer weight of metal thats still a deal and doesnt include the cost of workmanship.

I would like to make my own from silver as soon as I have the money for the wire. Even being about 90 times cheaper than gold its still pretty expensive.

[switchblade5984]

Torcs are ancient celtic men's decorative jewelry. Being difficult to make, of expensive metals, and often embellished with jewels or fine carvings torcs were pretty much restricted to chiefs and nobles. Because of their close connection to the pagan past once Christianity set in they were abandoned.

Personally I've always wanted one and I'm glad to see where I can get one now!

the crafty celts are very nice and have a very high quality item! well worth the money!

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Cool! thanks for the info guys!

The things we can learn on this board...

[furrycelt]

Torcs can be fantastically expensive too.

Luckily one can be had for fairly cheap. I bought mine at a Ren-Faire and paid $32 for it. I love it. It is thick and heavy. It is a simple twist design of heavy gage copper and smaller gage bronze. The ends are capped off with bronze, they look similar to the tops of Roman columns (doric style). To keep it looking snappy, I just rub it down with fine steel wool. I love the color and look of polished copper, but the only problem is that it will leave a green mark around my neck if I wear it all day.

One day, I will be able to afford a nice gold one. If I can remember, I will try to post a picture of mine on the forum.

[switchblade5984]

Luckily one can be had for fairly cheap. I bought mine at a Ren-Faire and paid $32 for it. I love it. It is thick and heavy. It is a simple twist design of heavy gage copper and smaller gage bronze. The ends are capped off with bronze, they look similar to the tops of Roman columns (doric style). To keep it looking snappy, I just rub it down with fine steel wool. I love the color and look of polished copper, but the only problem is that it will leave a green mark around my neck if I wear it all day.

One day, I will be able to afford a nice gold one. If I can remember, I will try to post a picture of mine on the forum.

i wear mine all the time and no green!

and yes you need pics!

[bikercelt1]

IIRC the Torc means that the person is free-born and of financial stature to afford the torc. It also means that the wearer has an obligation to the rest of the members of his clan/family/community. It's kind of interesting that it means both freedom and being bound to the larger group. I've always wondered if that's why a Torc is usually in the form of a "rope" that doesn't quite encircle the neck, you're not "tied" and yet you are by the choice to wear the symbolic noose.

Jamie