Collection: AB (Iridescent) Beads

Iridescent Beads & AB Beads

Iridescent beads add shifting color and reflective detail to bracelets, keychains and handmade jewelry projects. AB stands for Aurora Borealis, a term commonly used for an iridescent finish that changes appearance as the light and viewing angle change.

This collection brings together AB and iridescent styles across both acrylic and glass beads. Browse Acrylic Beads for the broader acrylic assortment, or explore Glass Beads for more glass bead styles.

Acrylic & Glass AB Beads

The collection includes round and spacer-style acrylic beads, gumball beads, faceted designs, letter beads and specialty shapes with iridescent details. Glass options include round, faceted, bicone and other AB-finish styles.

Because the collection is organized around the AB or iridescent finish rather than one specific material or shape, individual products can vary significantly in size, shape, color and design.

Choosing Iridescent Beads

Use AB beads when you want more reflective color than a standard solid or transparent bead. Round styles work well as the main bead in a design, while smaller spacer and faceted styles can be used between other beads for added contrast.

Different products have different sizes, hole dimensions, quantities and available colors. Always check the individual product listing for the exact specifications before ordering for a particular project.

What Does AB Mean on Beads?

AB is short for Aurora Borealis and is used to describe an iridescent appearance that reflects multiple colors. If you want a deeper explanation of the finish and how it differs from other bead finishes, read What Are AB Beads? Aurora Borealis Finish Explained.