Quick Guide: What are AB Rhinestones?

Have you ever had the opportunity to be far up North to see the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights? If so, then you know the beautiful display they put on every night. Colors such as green, pink, red, yellow, blue and violet dance in the night sky. This phenomenon is caused by charged particles released from the sun’s atmosphere colliding with gaseous particles in the Earth’s atmosphere. As a result, there is a stunning display of spectacular dancing colors in the sky.

AB Rhinestone Color Explained

To replicate this phenomenon, rhinestone manufactures developed the AB or Aurore Boreale rhinestone. AB rhinestones are a beautiful display of colors very similar to the Northern Lights. To put it simply, this rhinestone is a base color with an iridescent coating over it. The result is an ever changing color rhinestone. As the light catches the rhinestone, different colors are reflected back much like the changing colors of the Northern Lights. In addition, AB rhinestones, pick up the color of the fabric you place the stone on.  Therefore, their color reflection will change based on the background. It’s for this reason that AB rhinestones are so popular, for their ability to change color.
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AB Rhinestone Colors Available
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As previously mentioned, AB rhinestones are popular. The most popular AB rhinestone is the crystal AB. This rhinestone is a base crystal with an AB coating. The crystal base matches any color it’s used with. In addition, this rhinestone picks up the color it’s paired with while reflecting a myriad of other colors.  

Swarovski Crystal AB Rhinestone

There is a great variety of standard colors coated with the AB coating. Lighter AB colors such as  Fuchsia AB  reflect more of the rainbow effect and more colors. Darker colors such as Jet AB or reflect less. However, all AB colors reflect more than just their base color. 

                     Swarovski Fuchsia AB Rhinestone                                                   Swarovski Jet AB Rhinestones

​Swarovski has over 30 different AB colors as does Preciosa while Lux offers just under 30. These rhinestones offer you a wide selection of choices, so you are sure to find the color you need. If you need help choosing the right color for your project, just ask. We’re also happy to assist you!
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​Do you need rhinestones? Rhinestones Etc. has great prices with excellent customer service!