Time being what it is (a nebulous concept at best, a beast when it comes to aging), if an alien in a galaxy 65 million light years away is looking at us through a telescope right now, then they are actually looking at dinosaurs. No, I can’t really elaborate on that statement (remember, I did admit to time being a very nebulous concept), but I can relate.
When I retired two years ago, my students undoubtedly considered me a dinosaur, although they were too polite to say otherwise. From their adolescent galaxy I was certainly light years behind the times, a fading star rapidly on my way to becoming cosmic dust in the wake of the next generation.
I went home with my traditional timepiece at the end of thirty years on the job; time was now officially my own, a commodity as priceless as the Waterford Crystal highlighting my new timepiece. Who knew time on my own would actually include a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal!
When I retired two years ago, my students undoubtedly considered me a dinosaur, although they were too polite to say otherwise. From their adolescent galaxy I was certainly light years behind the times, a fading star rapidly on my way to becoming cosmic dust in the wake of the next generation.
I went home with my traditional timepiece at the end of thirty years on the job; time was now officially my own, a commodity as priceless as the Waterford Crystal highlighting my new timepiece. Who knew time on my own would actually include a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal!
With gold currently going for close to $1200 an ounce, I guess a gold watch was out of the question.
Don’t you just love karma, especially when it doesn’t involve the fickle finger of fate?
Well, there was one little piece of karma that was a bit fickle; think of it as a hangnail. My official Waterford timepiece wasn’t really made in Waterford, Ireland. I guess it’s time I officially launch into my, 7 Things You Might Not Know about Waterford Crystal.
Well, there was one little piece of karma that was a bit fickle; think of it as a hangnail. My official Waterford timepiece wasn’t really made in Waterford, Ireland. I guess it’s time I officially launch into my, 7 Things You Might Not Know about Waterford Crystal.
The first stop on our tour requires a silent prayer we don't break any of the crystal during the tour.
#1 WATERFORD CRYSTAL IS NO LONGER SYNONYMOUS WITH WATERFORD,
IRELAND
IRELAND
What?! Waterford not made in Waterford!
While lead crystal cut glass and glassware has been made in Waterford, Ireland since the 18th century (I’m so middle class; I thought Waterford was somewhere in England all these years), most of the high end, quality art glass, including my very own hard earned Waterford timepiece (one of the few I own), is now produced outside the Republic of Ireland, in countries
such as Slovenia, Czech Republic and Germany.
It’s not made in Waterford! My Slovakia timepiece just doesn’t seem to have the same ring as Waterford crystal. Is champagne simply sparkling wine if it doesn’t originate in France’s Champagne region?
Woe is me!
such as Slovenia, Czech Republic and Germany.
It’s not made in Waterford! My Slovakia timepiece just doesn’t seem to have the same ring as Waterford crystal. Is champagne simply sparkling wine if it doesn’t originate in France’s Champagne region?
Woe is me!
#2 WATERFORD CRYSTAL IS NOW AN AMERICAN OWNED COMPANY
Woe was Waterford during the financial crisis of 2008; Waterford Crystal, Wedgewood and Royal Daulton went into receivership as part of the WWRD Holdings, Ltd. during the crisis. Few families in Waterford and surrounding suburbs went untouched by the economic fallout. In February, 2009 the U.S. equity firm KPS Capital bought WWRD Holdings, Ltd.
This uniquely European enterprise representing generations of quality craftsmen (the city of Waterford is older than all the North European capitals except London and Paris) became the sole property of those Yankees across the pond, with the exception of the factory and new Visitor’s Center in Waterford, Ireland. Those two properties remained in the hands of the House of Waterford.
Woe was Waterford during the financial crisis of 2008; Waterford Crystal, Wedgewood and Royal Daulton went into receivership as part of the WWRD Holdings, Ltd. during the crisis. Few families in Waterford and surrounding suburbs went untouched by the economic fallout. In February, 2009 the U.S. equity firm KPS Capital bought WWRD Holdings, Ltd.
This uniquely European enterprise representing generations of quality craftsmen (the city of Waterford is older than all the North European capitals except London and Paris) became the sole property of those Yankees across the pond, with the exception of the factory and new Visitor’s Center in Waterford, Ireland. Those two properties remained in the hands of the House of Waterford.
The introductory light show for Waterford's new Visitor's Center was awesome!!!
Obviously those Yankees/investors determined labor costs could be better managed in Slovenia, Germany and the Czech Republic. Money always talks!
Even Ireland’s iconic Guinness, as in stout ale, succumbed to rising costs in 1997 when the company merged with the London-based British conglomerate, Grand Metropolitan, to become Diageo plc. But investors know full well brand name recognition (along with the same renowned quality) is the lifeblood of sales. If they couldn't control costs, those costs would eventually mean more of my dollars, and Waterford already goes for a pretty penny. Well, lots and lots and lots of pennies.
#3 WATERFORD CRYSTAL IS STILL HANDCRAFTED BY SKILLED CRAFTSMEN MUCH
AS IT HAS BEEN FOR ALMOST TWO CENTURIES
The ancient craft of making wooden molds for shaping hand blown molten crystal is still used today in the production process at the House of Waterford. Eighty to ninety full-time and thirty-three part-time staff members, with 30-40 temporary staff during peak seasons, annually produce 40,000 hand-crafted high end pieces from 750 tons of full lead crystal using traditional methods.
Even Ireland’s iconic Guinness, as in stout ale, succumbed to rising costs in 1997 when the company merged with the London-based British conglomerate, Grand Metropolitan, to become Diageo plc. But investors know full well brand name recognition (along with the same renowned quality) is the lifeblood of sales. If they couldn't control costs, those costs would eventually mean more of my dollars, and Waterford already goes for a pretty penny. Well, lots and lots and lots of pennies.
#3 WATERFORD CRYSTAL IS STILL HANDCRAFTED BY SKILLED CRAFTSMEN MUCH
AS IT HAS BEEN FOR ALMOST TWO CENTURIES
The ancient craft of making wooden molds for shaping hand blown molten crystal is still used today in the production process at the House of Waterford. Eighty to ninety full-time and thirty-three part-time staff members, with 30-40 temporary staff during peak seasons, annually produce 40,000 hand-crafted high end pieces from 750 tons of full lead crystal using traditional methods.
 This is definitely old school when it comes to craftsmanship. |  This craftsman's skills blew me away. |
Using a diamond-tipped wheel and an abundance of skill and dexterity, Master cutters painstakingly cut the full lead crystal (a combination of sand, potash and red lead) to pattern specifications. Too much, or too little pressure, and the cutter will have to start all over again.
This artisan is cutting edge when it comes to . . . cutting edges.
Before cutting, a temporary geometric grid is marked on each piece of crystal via a machine in preparation for the intricate designs that will make the piece distinctively Waterford.
 Yes, this is blurry! Best I could do under circumstances. |  Ready for the artisan to begin cutting the design. |
This piece may look familiar. It’s the beginnings of the AFCA National Championship football trophy. For high profile commemorative pieces, Waterford produces a duplicate during production should a replacement piece be needed on short notice.
 I think our tour guide Eileen might also be a quarterback! |  Wouldn't you like to score with this baby! |
Most of Waterford’s commemorative pieces are manufactured in this factory, one of only a few Waterford Prestige Factories. There were quite a few commemorative pieces on display throughout the factory.
 It took 300 hours to craft this longboat commemorating a Tall Ships event in the city of Waterford. |  This commemorative piece was dedicated to the 343 rescue workers on 9/11. |
 For all those musicians out there. |  Old Glory sparkles with pride. |
#4 WATERFORD CRYSTAL HELPS RING IN THE NEW YEAR
Party revelers always have 'a ball' in Time's Square.
In a matter of speaking, Time’s Square dropped the ball for the first few years when revelers began congregating for New Year’s Eve back in 1904, but by 1907, the city came up with the first ‘time-ball’, an iron and wooden ball to adorn the flagpole atop One Time Square. That first ball weighed 700 pounds, was 5 feet in diameter, and was lit with one hundred 25-watt bulbs.
Given a new millennium doesn’t roll around but every so often; that’s right, every one thousand years, the New Year celebration required some fancy digs; and time-balls. Waterford Crystal and Phillips Lighting collaborated in designing the Millennium Ball for Time’s Square.
When the one hundred year anniversary of the Time’s Square tradition rolled around on December 31st, 2007, a permanent Big Ball weighing nearly six tons and twelve feet in diameter incorporated 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles illuminated by 32,256 Phillip Luxeon LEDs. The Big Ball is on permanent display year round in Time’s Square, but you’ll have to arrive on New Year’s Eve if you want to see the real show.
#5 THE RETAIL GALLERY IN WATERFORD BOASTS THE LARGEST
COLLECTION OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL IN THE WORLD
The collection was exquisite! The showroom oozed old money. Even with my sixty-plus years, my money wasn’t old enough to buy me anything but minimal access to this high class club. I was more of the frame of mind ‘take only memories (aka, pictures); leave nothing but footprints.’
Given a new millennium doesn’t roll around but every so often; that’s right, every one thousand years, the New Year celebration required some fancy digs; and time-balls. Waterford Crystal and Phillips Lighting collaborated in designing the Millennium Ball for Time’s Square.
When the one hundred year anniversary of the Time’s Square tradition rolled around on December 31st, 2007, a permanent Big Ball weighing nearly six tons and twelve feet in diameter incorporated 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles illuminated by 32,256 Phillip Luxeon LEDs. The Big Ball is on permanent display year round in Time’s Square, but you’ll have to arrive on New Year’s Eve if you want to see the real show.
#5 THE RETAIL GALLERY IN WATERFORD BOASTS THE LARGEST
COLLECTION OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL IN THE WORLD
The collection was exquisite! The showroom oozed old money. Even with my sixty-plus years, my money wasn’t old enough to buy me anything but minimal access to this high class club. I was more of the frame of mind ‘take only memories (aka, pictures); leave nothing but footprints.’
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George and William Penrose would have been proud. Who knew the brothers’ humble efforts back in 1783 would become world renowned. Of course Charles Bacik should get a little credit, too. The Czech immigrant reopened the defunct Waterford factory in 1947 after almost a one hundred year hiatus, essentially breathing new life into what was initially a business devoted to making optical lenses and high quality diamond simulants from flint crystal.
#6 THE SEAHORSE IS THE OFFICIAL TRADEMARK OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL
Only this seahorse has a tail that turns clockwise rather than the real deal’s counterclockwise motion.
#6 THE SEAHORSE IS THE OFFICIAL TRADEMARK OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL
Only this seahorse has a tail that turns clockwise rather than the real deal’s counterclockwise motion.
See the horse!
Apparently Bill Dolfin, Personnel Manager of Waterford Crystal in 1947, felt the company needed a distinctive label for their full lead crystal. The Waterford City Coat of Arms included a lion as well as a sea creature that looked a bit like a seahorse.
Mr. Dolfin, being partial to sea creatures, thought the uniqueness of the seahorse (the male of the species is the carrier during reproduction) would be an appropriate symbol for Waterford’s unique crystal; not to mention the seahorse was artistically suited to the type of label Mr. Dolfin had in mind. The rest is history; beautiful history, I might add.
#7 THE HOUSE OF WATERFORD IS ALL ABOUT AWARD WINNING DESIGNS
Waterford is renowned for their lead crystal stemware, their exquisite chandeliers, and their commemorative pieces. But did you know they're also responsible for some stunning awards across the globe?
There’s the Masters Series crystal shield trophies that are awarded to the winner of each of the nine men's professional tennis Masters Series tournaments; the AFCA National Championship Trophy that is awarded to the US college football team which finishes the season at the top of the Coaches' Poll;
Mr. Dolfin, being partial to sea creatures, thought the uniqueness of the seahorse (the male of the species is the carrier during reproduction) would be an appropriate symbol for Waterford’s unique crystal; not to mention the seahorse was artistically suited to the type of label Mr. Dolfin had in mind. The rest is history; beautiful history, I might add.
#7 THE HOUSE OF WATERFORD IS ALL ABOUT AWARD WINNING DESIGNS
Waterford is renowned for their lead crystal stemware, their exquisite chandeliers, and their commemorative pieces. But did you know they're also responsible for some stunning awards across the globe?
There’s the Masters Series crystal shield trophies that are awarded to the winner of each of the nine men's professional tennis Masters Series tournaments; the AFCA National Championship Trophy that is awarded to the US college football team which finishes the season at the top of the Coaches' Poll;
This full lead crystal award is valued at $30,000 and weighs a total of 45 pounds.
a representation of the Ashes urn that is presented to the winners of the Test cricket series between England and Australia; the trophy for the Masters snooker championship is also made by Waterford Crystal.
Also crafted by Waterford are the winning trophies for the French and German Grand Prix in Formula One; a bat and ball trophy presented at the final game at Yankee Stadium to Derek Jeter ; a glass tennis racket for Boris Becker; and of course Waterford is responsible for all those People’s Choice Awards the U.S. likes to bestow annually to their favorite actors, musicians and humanitarians.
I like my little Waterford timepiece I was awarded two years ago. It's a far cry from the $30,000 Coaches' Trophy, but it's priceless to me. The timepiece sits on my desk, a beautiful reminder, courtesy of Waterford and my former employer, of just how fulfilling my life's work.
Also crafted by Waterford are the winning trophies for the French and German Grand Prix in Formula One; a bat and ball trophy presented at the final game at Yankee Stadium to Derek Jeter ; a glass tennis racket for Boris Becker; and of course Waterford is responsible for all those People’s Choice Awards the U.S. likes to bestow annually to their favorite actors, musicians and humanitarians.
I like my little Waterford timepiece I was awarded two years ago. It's a far cry from the $30,000 Coaches' Trophy, but it's priceless to me. The timepiece sits on my desk, a beautiful reminder, courtesy of Waterford and my former employer, of just how fulfilling my life's work.
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