This 10 gross package of 12ss (3.0mm-3.2mm) Swarovski® 2078 Xirius Rose hotfix rhinestones in Crystal AB are small, versatile stones finished with an aurora borealis (AB) coating over a clear Crystal base. The AB coating throws a shifting rainbow shimmer that adds color play and dimension to any design. The heat-activated backing sets cleanly with an iron or a BeJeweler® applicator. At 12ss, you are stepping into the range where stones begin to read individually under stage lights while staying small enough for outlines, accents, and detailed coverage work.
Best for: outlines, accents, detailed coverage, and mixed-size designs on dance costumes, skating dresses, cheer uniforms, pageant pieces, bridal, and western wear.
Why You'll Love Them
- Color: Crystal AB, clear with a luminous rainbow AB finish that shifts under light and movement.
- Size: 12ss (3.0mm-3.2mm), a small stone that reads individually while staying compact enough for outlines and detailed accent rows.
- Hotfix application: heat-activated adhesive already on the back, no separate glue needed.
- Sold in bulk: 10 gross (1,440 pieces) per order, enough for broad accent coverage on a costume or a batch of garments.
- Genuine Swarovski® Xirius Rose cut for consistent size, shape, and sparkle stone to stone.
What Is AB?
AB stands for aurora borealis, an iridescent coating applied over the Crystal base that reflects a shifting rainbow spectrum. Standard colored rhinestones use colored crystal raw material; Crystal AB starts with a clear stone and adds the AB coating on top for extra dimension. The result is bright sparkle with rainbow color play that works with any palette and reads beautifully under stage and event lighting.
Size Reference
12ss rhinestones measure approximately 3.0mm to 3.2mm. This is a small stone, but noticeably larger than the extra-small 6ss through 10ss detail sizes. At 12ss, each stone begins to read on its own under stage lights while staying compact enough for outlines, accent rows, and solid coverage on smaller areas. For solid coverage at 12ss, plan on roughly 67 stones per square inch. To compare sizes, see our rhinestone size chart with ss, mm, and inches.
Please plan ahead: Rhinestones Unlimited and Swarovski® offer minimal inventory in the U.S. Please plan for 2-3 weeks before we ship if ordering more than 1-2 packages.
If the brand name is not important to you, check out MAXIMA Crystals by Preciosa® [Guessing] for a comparable, and often considered arguably more brilliant, crystal that is in stock and ready to ship. See our full Swarovski vs. MAXIMA comparison.
Sold In
- 10 gross (1,440 pieces)
Full Crystal Size Reference Guide
| Stone Size (ss) | Size (mm) | Common Name | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6ss | 1.9mm-2.1mm | Extra Small | Detailed transfer work, fine lines and serifs |
| 8ss | 2.3mm-2.5mm | Extra Small | Small lettering, fine transfer detail |
| 10ss | 2.7mm-2.9mm | Small | Outlines, fine accents |
| 12ss | 3.0mm-3.2mm | Small | Outlines, accents |
| 16ss | 3.8mm-4.0mm | Mid-Sized | General coverage |
| 20ss | 4.6mm-4.8mm | Most Popular | Dance and costume use |
| 30ss | 6.32mm-6.5mm | Large | Bold accents |
| 34ss | 7.06mm-7.27mm | Extra Large | Statement pieces |
| 40ss | 8.41mm-8.67mm | Oversized | Maximum sparkle and drama |
| 48ss | 10.91mm-11.30mm | Oversized | Maximum sparkle and drama |
FAQ
What color is Crystal AB in rhinestones?
Crystal AB is a clear stone finished with an aurora borealis coating that throws a shifting rainbow shimmer as it catches light. It is not a colored stone, and it is different from plain Crystal, which has no coating.
What is 12ss in millimeters?
12ss rhinestones measure approximately 3.0mm to 3.2mm.
What size rhinestones should I use for costumes?
Most costume makers build around 20ss as the main all-over size, fill with 16ss, and accent with 30ss or 34ss. Reach for 12ss for outlines, accent rows, and filling between larger stones. Mixing sizes adds depth and helps the design read from a distance under stage lights.
What is the difference between hotfix and non-hotfix rhinestones?
Hotfix rhinestones have a heat-activated adhesive already on the back, set with an iron or a BeJeweler® applicator. Non-hotfix (flatback) rhinestones have no backing adhesive, so you set them with a fabric or craft glue and a pickup tool. Hotfix suits fabric that tolerates heat and pieces washed often; flatback suits delicate materials and non-fabric surfaces.
Browse our full Swarovski crystal collection for more colors and sizes, or see MAXIMA Crystals by Preciosa for a comparable crystal that ships from stock.
