Effects and Codes

Swarovski Effects and Codes

The incredible effects and finishes are produced using a vacuum metal coating process. It is applied on the surface of the crystal, either in the front (top) or on the reverse (bottom) sides. These processes can either produce a surface effect, a translucent effect, and/or special surface effects. This vacuum coating process can be applied to clear or colour crystals.

SURFACE EFFECTS (Vacuum coating on surface)				TRANSLUCENT EFFECTS (Vacuum coating on reverse side. The resultant effect shines through the crystal.)
image	Effect Code	effect name		image	Effect Code	effect name
	AB	Aurore Boreale			BBL	Bermuda Blue
	CAL	Comet Argent Light			HEL	Heliotrope
	COP	Copper			MBL	Meridian Blue
	DOR	Dorado			SAG	Sage
	GSHA	Golden Shadow			SAH	Sahara
	HEM	Hematite			TAB	Tabac
	METBL	Metallic Blue			VL	Vitrail Light
	METSI	Metallic Silver			VM	Vitrail Medium
	MOL	Moonlight			VOL	Volcano
	NUT	Nut (only on Jet)
	SAT	Satin
	SSHA	Silver Shade
	TRA	Transmission

Variations on Surface Effects (suffix code)
image	Effect Code Suffix	explanation
	V	The effect is applied on the reverse. If a surface effect is normally applied on the front, then this indicates it is applied on the back (e.g. ABV = AB is applied on the back). Similarly, if a surface effect is normally on the back, then this suffix indicates it has been applied on the front (e.g. VMV=VM being applied on the front).
	Z	The effect is applied to only part of the crystal (e.g. HELZ means that Heliotrope effect was only applied to part of the crystal stone).
	B	Effect has been applied on 3 sides of a cube shape (e.g. ABB)
	2x	Effect applied to both sides of stone (e.g. Aurore Boreale 2x aka AB2)

Special Surface Effects
image	Effect Code	effect name	explanation
	MAT	Matt Finish	Matt Finish effect results from a chemical matting process to entire surface of crystal. Small variations may occur.
	FRO	Frosted	The Frosted effect can be done via mechanical process but only on Flat Back Roses.
	COS	Cosmojet	Cosmojet effect can achieve blackening of single facets of the crystal.

Effects List

Swarovski Effects List

In its catalogues, Swarovski classifies its effects and finishes as Ordinary Effects or Special Effects. Currently, Special Effects are only available on (clear) crystals.
Some of the Ordinary Effects are applied only to clear crystals, some to both clear and colour crystals.
The effects are available as partially applied (Half Coating) or fully applied (Full Coating).
This listing will give you a detailed general idea of what is available.
For a explanation of code and suffix used for effects, see Effects and Codes.
Prices vary (In ascending amount for the same base article: 1) Crystal, 2) Colours, 3) Crystal with Ordinary Effects, 4) Crystal with Special Effects, 5) Colours with Ordinary Effects, 6) Crystal with Full Ordinary, 7) Colours with Full Ordinary).

Air Blue Opal

Swarovski Air Blue Opal (285)

Swarovski has combined the divine blue with the white purity to produce this colour of divinity, gods, and the endless skies. It has a most soothing aura, combining the air of the skies with the soul-depths of the deep waters, enlightened with the lights of divinity glimmering through its gentle progress.

The Air Blue Opal is another of Swarovski's magical colours. It is virtually impossible to capture in a static shot, or even with words. Its interplay with light and under different light conditions reveals indescribable colours like opalescent, milky, translucent pinks with points of scintillating light. The closes I can describe it is like looking at high grade opals with their depth of unendingly changing colours and flickering lights of the divine.

Air Blue Opal is available in:

• Beads
• Round Stones
• Flat Backs No Hotfix
• Flat Backs Hotfix
• Sew-on Stones
• Fancy Stones
• Pendants

• Chaton Bindings
• Chaton Montées
• Crystal Aerial Mesh
• Crystal Mesh Metallisée
• Flat Back Bandings
• Jeans Buttons
• Rivets
• Roses Montées
• Transfers
• Transfers No Hotfix

Arora Borealis

Effect - Arora Borealis

Swarovski's Arora Borealis (commonly known as "AB") found worldwide following in the 1950's following collaboration work between Swarovski and Christian Dior.

Coral Pearl

Swarovski Crystal Coral Pearl (001 816)

New colour released 2009/2010.

In the words of Swarovski:

This new crystal coating is thick and luxuriously solid. It even looks a bit like ceramics. A vintage color that calls for a modern twist of color combinations. Versatile and playfully appropriates for today's trends - both timeless and contemporary.

Photo courtesy of Swarovski

Coral is available in:

• 5810, 5811, 5816, 5817, 5818, 5821

Coral with Antique Copper

I was asked if this Coral colour would look good with Antique Copper. I think that is an excellent question and I personally have to say it is a great match. I have included a photo so you can decide for yourself. (as always, click for larger image)

Crystal Platinum Pearl

Swarovski Crystal Platinum Pearl (001 459)

Crystal Platinum is available in:

• 5810, 5811, 5816, 5817, 5818, 5821, 5826, 5850

Crystal Red Magma

Swarovski Crystal Red Magma (001 REDM)

New exclusive finish/effect released 2009/2010.

Swarovski has combined strength and gentleness, power and feminity in this new color effect. "Red" is the first-named colour by man and through the ages, it bespeaks of action and power. Yet this new exclusive color finish from Swarovski is not over-powering. Rather its softness comes from the subtle power glow ~ like the hot fires of magma that simmers beneath the earth, the hot passions of the heart is glows from within this crystal effect. It calls to all who yearn for love filled with strength, passion, and tenderness.

Crystal Red Magma is available in:

• Beads
• Crystal Buttons
• Fancy Stones
• Sew-on Stones
• Pendants

Cyclamen Opal

Swarovski Color: Cyclamen Opal (398)

Cyclamen Opal is a must have for the current love of opal colors. An appealingly soft and shinny color, it is a fusion of underlying berry and fuchsia. This is a recommended tone-on-tone blends with reds, pinks, and browns (e.g. Rose, Burgundy, Light Colorado Topaz, Smoky Topaz). For a more dramatic combo, greenish yellows are recommended.

Cyclamen Opal is available in:

• Round Stones
• Flat Backs No Hotfix
• Flat Backs Hotfix
• Sew-on Stones (art. 3128)
• Fancy Stones
• Beads
• Pendants

• Transfers
• Transfers No Hotfix
• Jeans Buttons
• Buttons with Metal Shanks
• Chaton Bindings
• Flat Back Bandings
• Rivets
• Roses Montées
• Chaton Montées
• Crystal Mesh Standard
• Crystal Mesh Metallisée
• Crystal Aerial Mesh
• Cupchains and Findings

Sidebar: Cyclamen the flower

Cyclamen is the national flower of Israel. Cyclamen is actually a genus of 23 species of flowering plants. The genus as a whole is most commonly referred to as Cyclamen. The flowers are usually pink or white. They look very delicate and many think of them as indoor plants. But in reality, they can be grown outdoors even in pretty harsh conditions.

Fern Green

Swarovski Color: Fern Green (291)

Fern Green has been called the true grass-green - a combination of Swarovski's Emerald and Peridot. It is the color of lush green ferns and vallyes.

Color Combinations

Color trends released by Swarovski provides great suggestions for colors that will harmonize with Provence Lavender.

• Theme: OCEAN Glamour
• Theme: SWAMP Progressive

Greige

Swarovski Color: Greige (284)

Swarovski has called this the "noble" color due to its understated shine and undeniable elegance. It is an intriguing 'barely there' color that makes it so compatible with tonal matchings and color combinations. It brings a refined nobility and elegance to its applications.

Greige is available in:

• Beads
• Round Stones
• Flat Backs No Hotfix
• Flat Backs Hotfix
• Sew-on Stones (art. 3128)
• Fancy Stones
• Pendants

• Buttons with Metal Shanks
• Chaton Bindings
• Chaton Montées
• Crystal Aerial Mesh
• Crystal Mesh Standard
• Crystal Mesh Metallisée
• Flat Back Bandings
• Jeans Buttons
• Roses Montées
• Transfers
• Transfers No Hotfix

Greige and Black Diamond

Some have said that the new 2009 color Greige and the existing Black Diamond is very similar. In my opinion, to the naked eye, they are indeed. Especially in the smaller sizes. But it all depends on the lighting. There are indeed differences - and it could be the difference that makes all the difference.

Here I have included a comparative shot of both 5328 XILION bicone beads - taken in natural light. You can clearly see that there are indeed differences.

Additionally, I heard from my Swarovski representative (on 16 Oct 09) that the sales of the Greige is expected to bypass that of the Black Diamond and may become jewelers first choice in the "almost there" range in grey tones.

Addendum: (added by request. Click for larger image.)
This additional photo shows 3 colours that some think look similar: Greige, Black Diamond, and Silk. However as I didn't have Silk on hand, I have shown Silk AB instead. It is still enough to show that indeed there are vital differences among the colors.

However you may have noted how the colours can vary (from picture to picture). That is one of the wonder of blings, Swarovski, and crystals - there is no one static colour and tone. It varies according to light and surrounding ambience.

Definition of Greige

From the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary:

Metallic Light Gold

Swarovski Effect: Crystal Metallic Light Gold (001 MLGLD)

Inline with the current ongoing demure look, Swarovski has released this deeply rich, precious metallic effect. A rich warm metallic effect that will blend seamlessly with all crystal colours and effects.

Crystal Metallic Light Gold is available in:

• Beads
• Flat Backs No Hotfix
• Flat Backs Hotfix
• Round Stones
• Sew-on Stones
• Fancy Stones
• Pendants

• Transfers
• Transfers No Hotfix
• Jeans Buttons
• Buttons with Metal Shanks
• Chaton Bindings
• Flat Back Bandings
• Rivets
• Roses Montées
• Chaton Montées
• Crystal Mesh Standard
• Crystal Mesh Metallisée
• Crystal Aerial Mesh

Provence Lavender

Swarovski Color: Provence Lavender (284)

Provence Lavender has pale violet hues and glimmering of radiating blues from within. Inspired by the lavender fields in Provence (pronounce: prow-vonce), France.

Color Combinations

Color trends released by Swarovski provides great suggestions for colors that will harmonize with Provence Lavender.

• Theme: CASCADE Romantic
• Theme: OCEAN Glamour
• Theme: SOURCE Harmony