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One of the many superior qualities that
makes Swarovski so unique in the crystal manufacturing market
place, is their distinctive coatings / effects on their Beads &
Pendants. By effects, we mean the finishing of the stone by
way of a vaccuum coating process.
Through precision cutting techniques,
Swarovski Crystals are manufactured to sheer perfection,
resulting in the magnificent sparkle.
Below, is a brief guide explaining the
various Swarovski Crystal Specialty Coatings /
Effects:
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.
As the name states, 2X, meaning "2 times" because most coatings
are only applied to one half (one side) of a bead or
pendant.
AB - Aurora
Boreale
This is the normal vaccuum coating process applied to the top
half of the stone.
The base crystal colour with the AB coating
applied to half of the Bead / Pendant, resulting in the rainbow
affect. The AB coating can shimmer anything from yellow,
to blue or pink. This finish takes its name after the Latin
word for gold. It is made from real gold, and it looks like
gold. This is a more expensive finish because of the gold
content.
CAL - Comet Argent
Light
A bright silver finish, creating a
mirror-like effect. It makes the crystal look like a sterling
silver bead that does not tarnish. In some instances, it is
applied to half of the bead / pendant, also known as 2X, so it
glows the silver veneer and the remainder takes on the colour of
the crystal itself.
Cosmojet
This is a special coating which makes it
possible to blacken certain parts of the beads surface.
Dorado
This finish has a bronze appearance. It's
not transparent.
Glacier
Blue
Has a cobalt blue appearance on its surface
and when viewed through clear crystal.
Satin (also known as
Hematite)
The charasteric for satin is the extra sheen
it gives to the Pendant. It's a smokey, grey coating that adds a
soft glaze & deepens the colour of the crystal.
Metallic
Blue
A rich deep blue metallic
coating, usually applied to one half of the bead or
pendant.
Transmission
Very similar to the Aurora Borealis (AB)
effect, it appears to transmit the colour of the garment on which
it is worn.
Translucent Effects:
A special vaccuum coating process applied to
the back of the bead / pendant & visible through the
crystal. The following effects fall under this category:
Bermuda Blue
When viewed through clear crystal, it takes
on a deep blue tone. When applied to the surface of the bead, it
shimmers a navy blue.
Heliotrope
When viewed through clear crystal, it takes
on a deep purple & green appearance. When applied to the
surface of a bead, it has a dull grey & brown tone.
Silvery finish on the outside with overtones
of baby blue. Throughout the bead it shimmers a light blue with
green overtones.
Tabac
A dark, mellow, golden copper finish.
These coatings radiate different colours,
depending on how the light hits the surface of the finish. It
varies in depth from strong to light red and green tones.
Silvery on the outside, but when viewed
through clear crystal, it takes on strong purple & red
tones.
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