Fattningar

Fattningar is a term used in Swedish to describe the way a component, most often a gemstone, is secured and displayed within a piece of jewelry or another object. The concept covers the physical arrangement that holds the item in place as well as how much metal or surrounding material is visible around it. The word derives from fattning, meaning the act of grasping or holding.

In jewelry, fattningar refer to the various methods by which a stone is set in a ring, necklace, or bracelet. Common types include bezel settings, where a metal rim surrounds the stone; prong or claw settings, where metal supports grip the stone at its girdle; and channel or pavé settings, where stones are held in a groove or along a surface with adjacent stones. Flush or gypsy settings position the stone so its table sits level with the surrounding metal. The chosen fattning influences light reflection, security against loss, and how the piece wears over time.

Beyond jewelry, fattningar describe mounting systems in other domains, such as optics, watchmaking, and general engineering. In optics, a fattning refers to the mount that fixes a lens or crystal within an instrument, ensuring proper alignment and stability. In broader engineering contexts, fattningar denote how a component is anchored to a housing or frame, including methods like clamping, screwing, or press-fitting.

Etymology and usage: the term comes from Swedish fattning, related to grasping or holding. Plural form is fattningar. The concept is central to discussions of functionality, durability, and aesthetics in both jewelry and technical assemblies.