Thai Torc Necklace - Vintage Torque Necklace

Torc style necklace made in Thailand in an old Hmong / Miao design. This necklace features a beautiful floral and butterfly engraved design and four dangle pendants. There is an easy on / off hook and ring in the back that keeps this necklace secure. Made of mixed metals or possibly very low grade silver. This style of necklace is based on an old Hmong design from China.  Mid-20th century.  However you spell it - torc, torq or torque - this distinctive style of neck adornment is a standout. 

The Miao Hmong are an ethnic group belonging to South China.  Silver jewelry is a well-known traditional craft of the Miao people.  Apart from being a cultural tradition, it also symbolizes the wealth of Miao women.  A Miao woman used to be defined by the amount of silver jewelry she wears or owns.  It is especially important to wear heavy and intricate silver headdresses and jewelry during significant occasions and festivals, notably during weddings, funerals and springtime celebration.  Silver jewelry is an essential element of Miao marriages, particularly to the bride.  Miao families would begin saving silver jewelry for the girls at an early age, wishing their daughters could marry well with a large amount of silver jewelry representing the wealth of the family.

Item No. JNX0075
Inner Circumference:  About 18 inches
Inner Diameter Side to Side: 5.5 inches
Materials: Mixed metals or possibly low grade silver
Metal Color:  Silvery, tarnished
Finish:  Unpolished.  Pendants are slightly shiny in places.
Details: Engraved floral design, small etched dangles.
Country of Origin: Thailand
Condition: Vintage

Please check photos carefully for condition. You will receive the exact piece(s) shown in the photos on this page. This is a USED piece that has been previously worn in country. As a previously used tribal item it may have small flaws such as loose or missing jewels, missing bells, obvious repairs, may be tarnished or worn, or have other small flaws.

A NOTE ON THE CONDITION OF TRIBAL ITEMS: Our jewelry is used tribal jewelry, from faraway lands. As used pieces the condition of our items will reflect their prior lives as treasured tribal pieces. Please know that we strive to maintain the tribal allure of our items and therefore we do not clean or repair these pieces in any way. We leave that choice to the buyer, as each may prefer something different. This not only maintains the old, tribal look of each piece that our belly dance customers seek, but also preserves the value of a piece that cleaning might diminish.

We do our best to describe any flaws that may be present in our items, and we encourage you to read the full description and look at all photos closely to judge the condition of the item for yourself and know exactly what you are ordering. If you have questions about the condition of any item, please ask!