What is an Arm Ring or Torc?

Vikings and other Norse people wore arm rings (also known as Torcs) as a sign of their wealth and status, and as a sign of loyalty. An arm ring is a type of heavy jewelry that is worn around the upper arm. Arm rings were often made of precious metals such as gold or silver, and they were sometimes decorated with gemstones or enamel.

Norse arm rings were usually given as gifts to mark special occasions such as births, weddings, or military victories. They were also sometimes used as currency. In some cases, arm rings were passed down from generation to generation as family heirlooms. Silver Viking arm rings have been found at many old Viking locations.

The meaning of a Viking arm ring could vary depending on its owner. For some people, it may have been a symbol of their power and wealth. For others, it may have represented their family history or heritage.

Whatever the meaning of a Viking arm ring may have been, it is clear that these pieces of jewelry were important to the Norse people. Arm rings were more than just fashion accessories; they held significant value both socially and economically.

How to Adjust a Viking Arm Ring

If your Viking arm ring is too loose or too tight, you can adjust it yourself at home. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you avoid stressing the metal when adjusting it. For example bending it to shape will cause the metal to stress and break over time.

Please follow these steps to adjust your Arm Ring:

1. Warm the ring so that the metal is more easily bendable. For example carry it around in your pocket, or immerse it for a few minutes in warm water. There is no need to use boiling water, oven, flame, etc.
2. Instead of bending both ends inwards or outwards (which is the temptation), start halfway up one side and make small bending adjustments from there all the way down the side, across the bottom and then the same up the other side. This will avoid stressing the metal and should be very easy to do.
3. Once the size looks right slip it onto your arm.

If wearing a Norse Arm Ring on the upper arm:

1. Slide the arm ring over your hand and onto your arm.
2. Position the arm ring on your upper arm, above the elbow.
3. Wrap a piece of string or thread around your upper arm to secure the arm ring in place.
4. You can also ask someone else to help you put on the arm ring,

How do you wear a Viking Arm Ring?

Viking arm rings were worn on the lower arm, like a bracelet or on the upper arm, above the elbow. They could be worn on either the left or right arm, and sometimes people would wear more than one arm ring at a time.

An arm ring could also be worn as a bracelet around the wrist. This is definitely the way to wear a Norse arm ring if you a wearing long sleeves!