The Difference Between AB Rhinestones and Other Colors

The aurora borealis is an atmospheric phenomenon producing a spectacular display of dancing lights in the northern night sky. While green is the most predominant color, you may also see red, violet, yellow, blue, or purple hues. This natural exhibition of color inspired the creation of AB rhinestones.
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The Impact of Christian Dior on AB Rhinestones

You can never really go wrong if you take nature as an example.
- Christian Dior

Christian Dior was a Parisian designer who opened his own fashion house in 1946. His style revolutionized women’s clothing during the post-war era. To accessorize these more feminine styles, Dior also began creating jewelry. Ultimately, his interest in fusing nature with fashion led to a collaboration with the famous rhinestone manufacturer, Swarovski.

This partnership produced the first AB rhinestones, named after the aurora borealis. Swarovski coated clear crystal to create a rhinestone with sparkling iridescence colors reminiscent of the Northern Lights. A completely new innovation, aurora borealis or AB crystals became very popular with many other jewelers.

This popularity led to rhinestone manufacturers offering other Aurora Borealis colors. Today, you’ll find almost as many AB colors as regular rhinestone colors.

Distinctions Between Rhinestone Colors

Typically, when shopping for rhinestones, you’ll find plenty of color choices. In addition to creating standard and AB colors, you may also find that manufacturers use the term “special coatings”.  These types of rhinestones have a surface or backside coating to create stunning new hues.

For example, metallic-looking rhinestones shimmering in gold, silver, or bronze usually fall into this category. Moreover, the vivid and vibrant colors of neon rhinestones often have a special coating to achieve their electrifying hue.

Generally, manufacturers group colors into several categories:

• Crystal
• Standard Colors
• Crystal AB
• AB Colors/Shimmer AB
• Coated Colors

However, just like shades and tints of colors can vary between brands, so can the coating. Some rhinestone manufacturers add a light layer often referred to as “shimmer AB”. Manufacturers refer to the heavier coating as simply “AB”. Generally, the heavier the AB coating, the less of the original color shines through. Furthermore, the chemical composition of the manufacturer's coating will also impact the rainbow effect.
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Finally, depending on the rhinestone manufacturer, the price structure for each color category may be different. Often, brand-name companies charge more for AB and coated colors, while the standard colors are less expensive.

Choosing a Rhinestone Color for Your Project
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Using AB rhinestone colors can add depth and movement to your bling project. Typically, these appear more sparkly than the standard colors because the coating intensifies the visibility of the facets. Combining both the standard and AB colors can add a new dimension to make your bedazzled item stand out.

Today, AB colors are very popular for costume embellishment in the dance and skating world. While the original hue shines through, movement results in an explosion of color. Usually, lighter colors tend to have more of a rainbow effect sparkling with yellow, pink, purple, red, or blue. While dark colors take on a metallic, bluish-green color. A perfect example of this is the Jet AB rhinestone.

Of course, choosing colors is a personal preference. Whether you want to blend hues or have a pop of color, aurora borealis colors can add to your project.

Are you ready to begin working with AB color rhinestones? Rhinestones Etc. has a huge supply of crystal rhinestones in stock. We carry both the premier Preciosa Maxima and the cost-effective PriceLess brands. With fast processing times, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service, we want to be your source for bling.

Browse our online store to find the perfect rhinestone size and color for your next project.