Swarovski ab beads

[kjenter]

My late aunt used to buy beads in 16 inch lengths and restring them on beading wire and attached new findings to make necklaces.  Over the years and before she died several years ago she gave me a number of these necklaces.  Many of them are Swarovksi beads.  Since I have gotten into beading I have taken these apart and have been using them in my jewelry making.  I really don't wear the necklaces as they are.  My mom has also given me many of the necklaces her sister made and gave to her.

Many of the Swarovski beads are the AB kind.  I really don't like the AB finish.  Is there any way to safely remove this finish from the bead with out damaging the bead?   I tried fingernail polish remover on a bead with out success.  I have searched on the Internet and also asked at several of my local bead stores, and cannot find the answer. Does anyone know if removing this finish is possible?  

Thanks so much

Karen J.
Michigan

[jacy]

I can't imagine anything that would remove the finish without damaging the crystal in some way.

Have you thought about selling them on ebay and then using the profits to buy regular finish crystal?

[Russ Nobbs]

Actually the "Etch-All" product that is sold for turning shiny beads into matte finish will remove the AB coating.  The coating is very thin. You could experiment with using it for a very short time, long enough to remove the AB but not long enough to really etch the glass.

OTOH, the AB beads cost more than plain crystal. Maybe Jacy has a good idea about the value of them as AB. Maybe you can find someone to trade you straight across for plain crystal?