The Torque, (Torg or Aerwy) is an ancient piece that has been rediscovered by jewelry makers though many do not display the meaning behind it. The torque is a warriors necklace as well as a mark of marriage. For those of you have heard the phrase "She has the collar around him." It actually comes from the torque. The most common design has the head of an animal (often a totem of the family) at each end, though sometimes a small ball is used. The necklace it self is braided metal and each braid or twist is a vow or oath that the warrior took. Several torques have been excavated that were made with precious metals and embellished with precious jewels as well as Celtic designs.

The torque was granted to him by his clan when he became a warrior and placed around his neck by someone special to him, at times his wife or mentor. A warrior would wear the torque at all times, sometimes it would be the only thing worn when going into battle. It is often made out of brass or copper which is a very strong material, which is necessary considering that there is no hinge or clasp. To wear the torque the opening is place at the back of the neck and you lightly pull out until it slips around the neck and closes leaving a few inches between the ends. Because of the stiff material there is no chance of it falling off, the torque rings around the neck a little like a chain necklace but never falls off.

Now a female would wear a Torque for two separate reasons, one being that she is a warrior in her own right and/or that she is a married woman. A woman's torque is much lighter material and quite often has a jewel at the end of it. A married woman is presented her torque only if she is the wife of a warrior.

Because of the difficulty of picturing the torque we plan to have pictures here soon.