What does AB rhinestone mean and what makes them so special
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When browsing rhinestones, you've likely encountered the term "AB" and wondered what makes these stones so special. AB rhinestones are among the most sought-after and dazzling options in the rhinestone world—and for good reason!
In This Guide:
What Does AB Stand For?
AB stands for Aurora Borealis, named after the stunning natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights. Just like its namesake, AB rhinestones display a mesmerizing array of shifting colors that dance across the surface of the crystal.
The History Behind AB Rhinestones
The AB coating was created in 1956 through a collaboration between Swarovski and legendary fashion designer Christian Dior. Dior wanted a crystal that would add extra dimension and brilliance to his haute couture creations. The result was revolutionary—a special metallic coating that transformed ordinary crystals into iridescent masterpieces.
How AB Rhinestones Work
AB rhinestones feature a special iridescent or metallic coating applied to the surface of the crystal. This coating refracts light in multiple directions, creating a stunning rainbow effect that displays beautiful flashes of blues, greens, pinks, and violets as the stone catches the light from different angles.
The magic happens when light hits the coated surface—instead of simply reflecting back, it breaks into a spectrum of colors, giving the rhinestone incredible depth and visual interest that changes with every movement.
AB vs. Regular Crystal Rhinestones
Crystal Clear Rhinestones: Offer brilliant, diamond-like sparkle with pure white light reflection. Perfect for classic, elegant looks and when you want maximum clarity.
Crystal AB Rhinestones: Provide that same brilliant sparkle PLUS the rainbow iridescent effect. Ideal when you want extra dimension, visual interest, and that "wow" factor that catches attention from across the room.
Quick Comparison: AB vs. Crystal Clear
Quick Comparison: AB vs. Crystal Clear
| Feature | Crystal Clear | Crystal AB |
|---|---|---|
| Sparkle Type | Diamond-like white sparkle | Rainbow iridescent sparkle |
| Color Effect | Pure, clear reflection | Blues, greens, pinks, violets |
| Best For | Classic, elegant designs | Performance, dramatic looks |
| Stage Lighting | Brilliant sparkle | Spectacular color shifts |
| Versatility | Works with any color | Works with any color |
When to Use AB Rhinestones
AB rhinestones are incredibly versatile and work beautifully for:
- Dance and Performance Costumes: The color-shifting effect looks spectacular under stage lighting
- Bridal and Formal Wear: Adds ethereal, romantic dimension to wedding gowns and special occasion pieces
- Cheer and Athletic Uniforms: Creates eye-catching designs that stand out in competition
- Craft Projects: Perfect for adding extra sparkle to shoes, accessories, and DIY creations
- Mixed Designs: Combine with regular crystal or colored rhinestones for stunning contrast and depth
AB Rhinestone Size Guide
The size of your AB rhinestones affects how dramatically the rainbow effect appears. Here's what to expect from different sizes:
SS6 - SS10 (Small Sizes):
Perfect for delicate details, nail art, and subtle accents. The AB effect creates a gentle shimmer rather than bold color shifts. Ideal for intricate patterns and fine work.
SS12 - SS16 (Medium Sizes):
The most versatile range for AB rhinestones. These sizes show the rainbow effect beautifully while remaining practical for most applications. Great for apparel, accessories, and general crafting.
SS20 - SS30 (Large Sizes):
Maximum color-shifting impact! These larger stones display the full spectrum of AB colors dramatically. Perfect for focal points, stage costumes, and designs meant to be seen from a distance.
SS34+ (Extra Large):
Show-stopping statement pieces with intense rainbow effects. Best for centerpieces, large design elements, and projects where you want maximum visual impact.
Popular AB Rhinestone Color Combinations
AB rhinestones pair beautifully with other colors to create stunning effects. Here are some designer-favorite combinations:
Crystal AB + Crystal Clear:
Classic elegance with subtle dimension. The AB stones add just enough color interest while maintaining a sophisticated, timeless look. Perfect for bridal wear and formal occasions.
Crystal AB + Light Sapphire:
Creates a stunning ocean or ice theme. The blue tones complement the AB's cool color spectrum beautifully. Ideal for winter themes, mermaid designs, and frozen-inspired costumes.
Crystal AB + Light Rose:
Romantic and feminine with soft, dreamy appeal. The pink tones enhance the AB's warmer rainbow hues. Beautiful for ballet costumes, princess themes, and delicate designs.
Crystal AB + Jet Black:
High-contrast drama that makes the AB effect pop. The dark background intensifies the rainbow colors. Perfect for edgy designs, gothic themes, and bold statements.
Crystal AB + Peridot or Emerald:
Nature-inspired combinations with vibrant energy. The green tones harmonize with AB's color spectrum. Great for garden themes, peacock designs, and spring collections.
Pro Tips from Annette
- Lighting Matters: AB rhinestones truly shine in environments with good lighting. They're spectacular under stage lights, natural sunlight, or bright indoor lighting.
- Mix and Match: Try combining Crystal AB with regular Crystal Clear stones for a sophisticated look that has both classic elegance and dimensional sparkle.
- Color Coordination: AB rhinestones work with virtually any color scheme since they reflect multiple colors. They're especially stunning with white, ivory, pastels, and jewel tones.
- Size Selection: Larger AB rhinestones (SS16 and up) show off the color-shifting effect more dramatically, while smaller sizes create a subtle iridescent shimmer.
- Application: AB rhinestones work beautifully as both flatback and hotfix stones—choose based on your project needs.
Caring for AB Rhinestones
To keep your AB rhinestones looking their best:
- Clean gently with a soft, damp cloth—avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the coating
- Store away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
- Handle with care during application to avoid scratching the coating
- For garments, turn inside out when washing (if machine washable) or spot clean only
Frequently Asked Questions About AB Rhinestones
What does AB stand for in rhinestones?
AB stands for Aurora Borealis, named after the Northern Lights. This special iridescent coating was created by Swarovski and Christian Dior in 1956 to add rainbow color effects to crystal rhinestones.
How are AB rhinestones different from regular rhinestones?
AB rhinestones have a special metallic coating that refracts light into rainbow colors (blues, greens, pinks, violets), while regular crystal rhinestones reflect pure white light like diamonds. Both sparkle brilliantly, but AB stones add extra dimension and color-shifting effects.
Can you wash garments with AB rhinestones?
Yes, but with care. Turn garments inside out, use cold water on a gentle cycle, and avoid harsh chemicals or bleach that could damage the AB coating. Air drying is best, or tumble dry on low heat. For delicate items, spot cleaning is recommended.
Do AB rhinestones come in both hotfix and flatback?
Yes! AB rhinestones are available in both hotfix (with heat-activated adhesive) and flatback (requiring glue) versions. Choose hotfix for fabric projects and flatback for hard surfaces or when you need more control over adhesive placement.
What colors do AB rhinestones reflect?
AB rhinestones reflect a spectrum of colors including blues, greens, pinks, purples, and violets. The exact colors you see depend on the lighting angle and intensity. Under stage lights or bright sunlight, the rainbow effect is most dramatic.
Are AB rhinestones more expensive than regular crystal rhinestones?
AB rhinestones are typically slightly more expensive than regular crystal clear rhinestones due to the additional coating process. However, at Be Createful, our LUXE AB rhinestones offer premium quality at accessible prices, making the stunning AB effect affordable for all projects.
What size AB rhinestones show the most rainbow color?
Larger AB rhinestones (SS16 and above) display the color-shifting effect most dramatically because they have more surface area to refract light. Smaller sizes (SS6-SS12) create a subtle iridescent shimmer. For maximum impact, use SS20 or larger.
Can I mix AB rhinestones with colored rhinestones?
Absolutely! AB rhinestones work beautifully mixed with colored rhinestones, creating stunning contrast and depth. They're especially effective paired with jewel tones, pastels, or crystal clear stones. The AB coating complements virtually any color scheme.
Who invented AB rhinestones?
AB rhinestones were created in 1956 through a collaboration between Swarovski crystal company and legendary fashion designer Christian Dior. Dior wanted crystals with extra dimension for his haute couture collections, leading to the revolutionary Aurora Borealis coating.
What projects are best for AB rhinestones?
AB rhinestones excel in dance costumes, performance wear, bridal gowns, cheer uniforms, figure skating outfits, and any project where dramatic sparkle is desired. They're spectacular under stage lighting and perfect for creating eye-catching designs that need to stand out from a distance.
Shop Our AB Rhinestone Collection
At Be Createful, we offer stunning AB rhinestones in multiple quality levels to fit every project and budget:
LUXE® AB Flatback Rhinestones - Our premium line featuring 16-facet precision-cut stones with brilliant AB coating. Professional quality at accessible prices.
Hotfix AB Rhinestones - Heat-activated stones perfect for apparel and fabric projects. Available in Korean and DMC quality levels.
Flatback AB Rhinestones - Versatile stones for hard surfaces, accessories, and projects requiring glue application.
Not sure which size or type to choose? Check out our Rhinestone Color Chart to see AB stones in person, or read our Rhinestones 101 Guide for complete beginner information.
Need application help? Visit our Heat Pressing Guide for step-by-step instructions on applying hotfix AB rhinestones to fabric.
Whether you're creating a show-stopping costume, embellishing bridal wear, or adding sparkle to your latest craft project, AB rhinestones deliver that extra dimension of brilliance that makes your work truly unforgettable.
Ready to experience the AB difference? Browse our complete selection of AB rhinestones and discover why crafters and designers choose Be Createful for premium quality and exceptional value.
Share your AB rhinestone creations with us! Tag #BeCreateful on social media—we love seeing how our creative community uses these magical stones!
Have questions about which AB rhinestones are best for your project? Contact us—our team is here to help you bring your sparkling vision to life!