Swarovski Crystal AB

Bluestreak Crystals: Authorised Swarovski Distribution Partner

Bluestreak Crystals is an official Swarovski Authorised Distribution Partner. We are one of a small number of approved suppliers worldwide allowed to sell genuine Swarovski Crystal AB components. Every crystal is sourced directly and quality-checked.

What Is Swarovski Crystal AB?

Crystal AB is short for Aurora Borealis, the scientific name for the Northern Lights. The AB coating was first created in 1956, in a collaboration between Swarovski and the legendary fashion designer Christian Dior, who wanted to capture the shifting light of the Northern Lights in crystal form. The effect is made by vacuum-coating a very thin layer of metallic material onto the crystal surface. That produces a rainbow iridescence that shifts between pink, blue, green and gold, depending on the viewing angle and the light source.

The result is a crystal effect unlike any other in the range. Standard coloured crystals give a consistent, defined colour. Crystal AB gives a continuously shifting, multi-tonal iridescence that catches and scatters light differently from every angle. The AB coating is applied to the top surface of flatbacks and fancy stones, and to one half of beads and pendants. That lets the base crystal colour show through from some angles, while the iridescent coating takes over from others.

What Is the Difference Between Crystal AB and Crystal AB x2?

Crystal AB applies the Aurora Borealis coating to one side of the crystal only. This gives a subtler iridescence, and the base crystal colour stays visible from the reverse. Crystal AB x2 applies the same coating to both sides for a more intense, all-round iridescent effect with greater colour depth and presence. Crystal AB suits designs that want a delicate, refined iridescence. Crystal AB x2 suits designs that want maximum iridescent impact.

What Swarovski Crystal AB Products Are Available?

Swarovski Crystal AB is available across the complete range of crystal component types. That makes it possible to build a fully coordinated Crystal AB design across every element of a jewellery or embellishment project:

• Crystal AB non hotfix flatbacks — non hotfix flatbacks in the 2000, 2058 and 2088 cuts across SS3 to SS48, the most widely used Crystal AB product in professional nail art, garment embellishment and accessories work.
• Crystal AB hotfix crystals — hotfix flatbacks with heat-activated adhesive pre-applied for direct fabric application, the standard choice for dancewear, costumes and bridal gown embellishment in Crystal AB.
• Crystal AB beads — bicone, round, briolette and cube beads in Crystal AB across a full range of sizes for jewellery making, bridal accessories and beadwork.
• Crystal AB pendants — pendant components in Crystal AB across a range of shapes including round, pear, drop and specialty cuts for necklace and earring making.
• Crystal AB chatons and fancy stones — pointed back chatons and fancy stones in Crystal AB for jewellery settings and dimensional embellishment.

What Colours Are Available in AB?

Crystal AB is the most widely used and best-known AB effect. But the Aurora Borealis coating is also available across many coloured crystal bases. This gives a coloured iridescent effect that combines the underlying colour with the rainbow AB shimmer. Popular coloured AB options include Rose AB, Light Rose AB, Sapphire AB, Light Sapphire AB, Siam AB, Violet AB, Amethyst AB, Peridot AB and Light Topaz AB. Each gives a distinct coloured iridescence that adds depth and movement to the base colour. Coloured AB crystals are available across flatbacks, beads and pendants within the range.

What Is Swarovski Crystal AB Used For?

Swarovski Crystal AB is used across every professional application where crystal components appear, and it is consistently one of the most specified effects in the range. In nail art, Crystal AB flatbacks are among the most popular crystals used by professional nail technicians, for their versatile iridescent shimmer that complements any nail colour. In jewellery making, Crystal AB bicone and round beads are a staple of bridal and occasion jewellery, for the rainbow light play they add to strung and linked designs. In garment embellishment and dancewear, Crystal AB hotfix crystals are the standard iridescent effect in performance costumes and bridal gowns, where a sophisticated, multi-tonal sparkle is the intention. In fashion accessories, Crystal AB flatbacks are widely used in phone decoration, shoe embellishment and accessory customisation, for the dynamic light quality that solid colour crystals cannot match.

Why Choose Swarovski Crystal AB?

Swarovski Crystal AB is made to the same exacting Austrian standards as the rest of the range, with the Aurora Borealis coating applied to a consistent depth and quality in every batch. On genuine Swarovski crystals, the AB coating gives a distinctive, mostly pink-toned iridescence. It is recognisably different from the AB coatings of other crystal brands, which makes it the preferred choice where the specific character of Swarovski AB is part of the design. All crystals are lead-free and REACH-compliant since 2012, and they come in retail and wholesale pack sizes, with most orders shipping the same or next working day.

Complete Your Designs

Swarovski Crystal AB pairs naturally with clear Crystal for classic mixed designs, where the AB adds iridescent movement alongside standard clear brilliance. For bridal work, combine Crystal AB flatbacks and hotfix with Crystal AB bicone beads and Crystal White Pearl for a complete, coordinated iridescent bridal palette. For nail art, Crystal AB in SS5, SS7 and SS9 are the most widely used sizes, and they combine naturally with Crystal and Crystal Moonlight for a clean, versatile iridescent nail design. Browse our full range of jewellery making tools and adhesives to support every stage of your project. For colour matching help, visit our Swarovski digital colour guides or order samples through our sample service.

Why Buy Swarovski Crystal AB from Bluestreak?

• Authorised distributor — guaranteed genuine Swarovski Crystal AB across all product types and sizes
• Complete range in stock — flatbacks, hotfix, beads, pearls, pendants and chatons all in Crystal AB in one place
• Fast dispatch — majority of orders shipped same or next working day
• Worldwide shipping — reliable international delivery with tracked options
• Colour support — Swarovski colour charts and a sample service to support colour and size selection
• Alternatives available — we also stock Serinity Crystal AB (Austrian-made) and Preciosa Crystal AB (Czech-made) as alternative options

Browse the full Swarovski Crystal AB range to start ordering. For pricing enquiries or help sizing a production order, contact our team at hello@bluestreakcrystals.com.