Swarovski Crystal Specialty Coatings - Effects

Swarovski Crystals have long been known for their brilliant sparkle, precision cutting and distinctive specialty coatings and effects. Many of these finishes were used on Swarovski crystal beads, pendants, rhinestones and sew-on stones to create unique colours, reflections and surface effects.

As Swarovski no longer supplies many crystal components through traditional retail channels, many Swarovski beads, pendants and specialty effects are now limited, discontinued or unavailable through standard retail supply.

This guide is provided as a helpful reference for customers identifying older Swarovski crystal finishes, discontinued colours and remaining specialty pieces.

You can browse our remaining Swarovski crystal beads and pendants, available only while stocks last, or explore our current range of crystal beads, crystal pendants and flat back rhinestones.

Below is a brief guide explaining some of the Swarovski Crystal specialty coatings and effects that have appeared across beads, pendants and rhinestones over the years.

Swarovski Crystal Surface Effects

2X
When 2X is added at the end of the colour name, it signifies that the coating has been applied to the entire surface of the bead or pendant. As the name suggests, 2X means the coating has been applied more fully, as many coatings are only applied to one half or one side of a crystal bead or pendant.

AB - Aurora Boreale
AB, or Aurora Boreale, is a well-known Swarovski crystal effect created through a vacuum coating process. The AB coating is usually applied to part of the crystal surface, creating a rainbow-like shimmer that can reflect tones of yellow, blue, pink and other colours depending on the light.

CAL - Comet Argent Light
Comet Argent Light is a bright silver finish that creates a mirror-like effect. It can make a crystal look similar to a sterling silver bead, without the tarnishing associated with metal. In some cases, this finish may be applied to part of the bead or pendant, while the remaining area shows the original crystal colour.

Cosmojet
Cosmojet is a special coating that creates a darkened effect on certain parts of the crystal surface. It can give beads and pendants a dramatic, blackened or smoky appearance.

Dorado
Dorado has a rich bronze or golden-brown appearance. It is not transparent and gives the crystal a warm metallic finish.

Glacier Blue
Glacier Blue has a cobalt blue appearance on the surface and can create a cool blue tone when viewed through a clear crystal.

Satin
Satin, sometimes associated with hematite-like effects, gives the crystal an extra sheen and soft smoky finish. It can deepen the base colour of a bead or pendant and add a subtle grey glaze.

Metallic Blue
Metallic Blue is a rich, deep blue metallic coating that is usually applied to part of the bead or pendant surface. It gives the crystal a bold reflective blue finish.

Transmission
Transmission is similar in appearance to the Aurora Boreale effect. It can reflect and transmit surrounding colours, creating shifting tones depending on the background, garment or light source.

Swarovski Crystal Translucent Effects

Some Swarovski crystal effects are created by applying a special vacuum coating to the back of a bead, pendant or rhinestone. This coating is then visible through the crystal, creating rich colour changes and reflective finishes.

Bermuda Blue
Bermuda Blue creates a deep blue tone when viewed through clear crystal. When applied as a surface effect, it can shimmer with a navy blue appearance.

Heliotrope
Heliotrope can show deep purple and green tones when viewed through clear crystal. When applied to the surface of a bead, it may appear more muted, with grey, brown or earthy reflections.

Meridian Blue
Meridian Blue has a silvery finish with soft blue overtones. Through the crystal, it may shimmer with light blue and green reflections.

Tabac
Tabac is a dark, mellow golden-copper finish. It gives the crystal a warm, antique-style appearance.

Vitrail Medium and Vitrail Light
Vitrail effects radiate different colours depending on how light hits the surface. These finishes often show red, green, gold and pink tones, with Vitrail Medium generally appearing stronger and deeper than Vitrail Light.

Volcano
Volcano appears silvery on the outside, but when viewed through clear crystal it can show strong purple, red and warm reflective tones.

Looking for sparkling alternatives? Browse our crystal beads, crystal pendants and flat back rhinestones.