This 10 gross package of 16ss (3.8mm-4.0mm) Crystal AB flatback rhinestones are Swarovski®'s genuine Xirius Rose (2088) cut, a glue-on stone suited to custom work, delicate materials, and non-fabric surfaces. The aurora borealis coating over the clear Crystal base throws a rainbow shimmer, and this mid-sized stone works well for general coverage.
Best for: dance costumes, skating dresses, cheer uniforms, pageant pieces, western wear, bridal, and bold craft projects.
Why You'll Love Them
- Color: Crystal AB, clear crystal base with a luminous AB finish that throws rainbow light.
- Genuine Swarovski® Xirius Rose (2088) faceting, a non-hotfix flatback cut.
- 16ss (3.8mm-4.0mm), a mid-sized stone built for general coverage.
- No adhesive on the back, so you choose the glue that fits your surface and project.
- Sold in 10 gross (1,440 pieces), enough for a full costume run or several smaller pieces.
What Is AB?
Aurora borealis (AB) is an iridescent coating added over the base color that throws a rainbow shimmer. It is a coating on a colored or clear stone, not a separate clear stone. Crystal AB is available in standard Crystal and also available coated with an aurora borealis (AB) coating for extra shimmer.
Size Reference
16ss rhinestones measure approximately 3.8mm-4.0mm. This mid-sized stone is a workhorse for general coverage, versatile enough for costumes, uniforms, and fashion pieces that need consistent sparkle across a larger area. To compare sizes, see our rhinestone size chart with ss, mm, and inches.
Ordering and Availability
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® Crystal AB 16ss 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 cut is the Swarovski 2088 rhinestone?
The 2088 is Swarovski's Xirius Rose cut in a flatback, non-hotfix application. It is the glue-on counterpart to the 2078 hotfix in the same Xirius Rose family.
What size is 16ss in millimeters?
16ss measures approximately 3.8mm to 4.0mm, a mid-sized stone well suited for general coverage across costumes and uniforms.
What is aurora borealis (AB)?
AB is an iridescent coating added over a colored or clear stone that throws a rainbow shimmer. On Crystal AB, the coating sits over the clear Crystal base, not a separate stone.
What is the difference between Swarovski and MAXIMA Crystals by Preciosa?
Swarovski® is carried by special order because of minimal U.S. inventory. MAXIMA Crystals by Preciosa is our in-stock, ready-to-ship alternative, and many designers consider it arguably more brilliant.
Ready to order? Browse our full Swarovski Crystal collection, or compare against our in-stock MAXIMA Crystals by Preciosa line for the same brilliance without the wait.