Aurora Borealis crystals are some of the brightest and most colourful of all crystals in jewellery, show costumes, and dance dress, but most people do not know that their history goes back further than they realize. While these crystals appear to have no basis for one colour, when they are turned within light, they shine and shimmer with a myriad of colours. These stone were quite a marvel back in the 1950s.
In the early 1900s, Swarovski had perfected their crystal design. They utilized a mechanical process to cut and polish their crystal stones. These crystals mingled with Paris couture, with both worlds joining together for mutual collaborations.
1950s jewellery is distinctive for its beautiful rhinestone-encrusted necklaces, earrings, and pins. Christian Dior had created an entirely New Look for his designer line of clothing. It was elegant, feminine, and not as regimental as the designs of the war era. He consulted with Manfred Swarovski to find new crystals to complement his outfits. Together, they created special kinds of Aurora Borealis crystals and cut beads. Swarovski created a scientific process to make their crystal stones sparkle with iridescent rainbow colours. Dr. Hm. Schmied led the team. Together they created a blue metallic coating for optical lenses. Manfred realized the benefits of using this same metallic coating on his stones. Manfred did experiments to find the best method of application. He developed a technique to vaporize metal in a vacuum. This application coated the lower facets of each gem with a micro-thin coating of metal. This resulted in the dramatically bright and colourful flashes of colour within the crystals.
In the beginning, it was only the wealthy who could afford Swarovski Aurora Borealis jewellery, made from stones and beads. It eventually became licensed by Corocraft for their Vendome line, making it available to most middle class housewives of the 1950s.
Aurora Borealis is also known by the abbreviation AB. Many bead and crystal manufacturers have copied the process over the past few decades, but the quality never lasts as long, resulting in peeling crystals that soon lose their rainbow flash of colours, and other cheap plastic imitations. AB crystals only lost their lustre through time, but now, they’re making a comeback.
Over time, the Swarovski crystals have been proven to retain their shine, brilliance, and rainbow of colours, and antique AB crystal jewellery is highly desirable.
Swarovski Aurora Borealis crystals are a valuable component of costume design, whether it’s a beautiful gown, dress, body suit, or jewellery. Swarovski Aurora Borealis crystals are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, as our technological age can appreciate these beautiful crystals. Even today, Swarovski keeps their AB processes closely guarded, and requires the highest quality production of its crystal line.
Costume designers of today can appreciate the quality of Aurora Borealis crystals. They have not been successfully duplicated by any other crystal manufacturer. Just like Swarovski, when you wear a costume encrusted with Swarovski Aurora Borealis crystals, you’ll sparkle and outshine everyone else.
Check out the Swarovski Aurora Borealis crystals in our webshop: https://www.costume-design-plans.com/product-tag/aurora-boreale-swarovski-rhinestones/