Aurora Borealis is an iridescent rhinestone finish developed by Swarovski (a maker of fine rhinestones and Austrian crystals still in business) in 1955. These rhinestones were widely used in costume jewelry manufacture in the late 1950s and early 1960s in numerous colors.
Aurora Borealis, also referred to as “Northern Lights”, are glass rhinestones that have a unique lustrous coating, illuminating a variety of colors. Aurora Borealis specifically refers to the paper-thin metallic coating that is dispersed onto crystals or glass beads, producing a gorgeous dazzling shine.