A type of chain of which the principal links are elongated. Usually there are, between each pair of long links, a group, of variable number, of short links, sometimes simple small ovals but often ofthe types found on a trace chain, curb chain, etc.; where the number of short links in each group is three, the chain is called a 'fetter and three', and correspondingly for other numbers.There are many varieties of the basic fetter chain, e.g. the long links may be oval or rectangular and are sometimes twisted (called a 'snaffle chain') or 'fancy' (e.g. ornamented with crossbars orintertwined into knots).
Fetter Chain

Fetter Chain
A type of chain of which the principal links are elongated. Usually there are, between each pair of long links, a group, of variable number, of short links, sometimes simple small ovals but often ofthe types found on a trace chain, curb chain, etc.; where the number of short links in each group is three, the chain is called a 'fetter and three', and correspondingly for other numbers.There are many varieties of the basic fetter chain, e.g. the long links may be oval or rectangular and are sometimes twisted (called a 'snaffle chain') or 'fancy' (e.g. ornamented with crossbars orintertwined into knots).
References
From: An Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry, autor: Harold Newman, publishers: Thames and Hudson



