The Short Story
AB is short for Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights), the amazing natural light display in the sky that is particularly visible in high latitude regions.
When you see the amazing shimmer from an AB finished bead, then you understand why it is named after the Aurora Borealis. Aurora Borealis-AB-Crystals Framed in Brass
We have to thank Swarovski, famous for his cut glass crystal, and Christian Dior for this gorgeous bead treatment inspired by the Northern Lights.
The Longer Story
The process was invented in the mid 1950s by Swarovski in partnership with Christian Dior, a renowned designer. This treatment is applied to glass beads and creates a rainbow or iridescent effect. Hence, the AB abbreviation for Aurora Borealis. The creation of the AB finish was one of the first times that Swarovski partnered with a renowned designer on a product development.
Swarovski began experimenting with the manufacturing processes by coating crystals with extremely thin layers of metal and vaporizing them in a vacuum. The chemical reaction between metals produces fumes that adhere to the exposed surfaces of the bead.
Usually, this coating is only applied to one side of the bead; the half-coat metallic finish adds a prismatic effect to the surface of the bead.
As a result, Swarovski was able to increase the sparkling power of the crystal. Since then, manufacturers have been using this treatment on many types of beads and bead colors, and those colors are beautiful. They really pop!
The reflections and colors of the AB finish play on the surfaces of the beads and make an effect that is similar to viewing the Aurora Borealis. It is beautiful and shimmering. See my Aurora Borealis bracelet. Rosary Chain Bracelet of Beautiful AB Beads