
audriusmerfeldas/iStock/Getty Images
The Austrian company Swarovski is best known for the production of precisely cut, high quality crystal glass beads. Swarovski crystal beads come in many shapes and colors and with a variety of different finishes, such as the Aurora Borealis.
AB History
Swarovski introduced the Aurora Borealis crystal bead in 1956. These special crystals were named after the Northern Lights -- the Aurora Borealis -- because their special coating reflects a multitude of colors. Shortened to AB, the abbreviation appears as a suffix after the name of the bead. “Crystal AB” or “Garnet AB” are two examples.
How They're Made
Through a steam treatment, a special coating is chemically bonded to the outer surface of a crystal bead. While a standard Swarovski crystal already possesses strong reflective properties, a bead with an AB coating acts somewhat like a mirror while reflecting a rainbow of colors. The coating is typically only applied to one side of the crystal so the transparent portion of the bead is still visible.
Types of AB Crystals
The bicone crystal AB bead is the most popular. Colors include, but are not limited to, jet black, hyacinth, aqua, emerald, rose, peridot, fuchsia, jonquil, topaz and velvet.
Related Articles

List of the Types of Semi-Precious ...

What Is Cognac Amber?

Types of Valuable Crystals
What Is Ceylon Sapphire?

What Is a Pink Amethyst?

What Is Golden Druzy?

What Is Marcasite Jewelry?

Physical Characteristics of the Ruby ...

Glass Vs. Crystal Rhinestones

How to Clean a Ceramic Watch

What Is an Anniversary Clock?

What Materials Are Used to Make Costume ...

How to Use Armour Etch to Strip ...

Difference Between Manmade & Natural ...

Rocks Used in Gravestones

What Is Mercury Mist Topaz?

Cubic Zirconia Vs. White Spinel

What Is the Difference in K and KT in ...

How to Clean a Diamond Ring With ...

What Is 916 in Jewelry?
Writer Bio
Based in Boston, Bradley Keist has been an editor for Pearson Learning Solutions since 2008. His writing has also appeared in newspapers such as the "Indiana Daily Student," "The Normalite" and the "Sud Quotidien," as well as in the Cafe Abroad online magazine. Keist holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and French.
Photo Credits
audriusmerfeldas/iStock/Getty Images