The old sod: Waterford crystal, which includes high-end goblets, tumblers, vases, bowls and other accessories, is made from a combination of ultra-white silica, potash and other minerals. Its high lead content--33-1/3 percent--gives it the clarity and brilliance for which it is known.

What makes Waterford crystal so expensive?

Waterford Crystal pieces are valuable because they contain very intricate design elements, and the process to create them is both complex and labor intensive. The larger the piece, the more detail it includes, and the more expensive it is purchase.

Why is Waterford crystal special?

Waterford Crystal is one of the only places in the world that is highly successful with achieving a full 33% lead content in their Irish crystal. Adding lead to glass makes glass softer and more pliable. This pliability is what allows Waterford Crystal to carve such intricate, highly acclaimed designs into their glass.

How can you tell real Waterford crystal?

When holding a piece up to the light it should be perfectly clear – a silvery-white. Regular glass produces a yellow or green tint. The bases of most Waterford crystal have the word Waterford etched on the underside. Older Waterford crystal carried a green and gold sticker with the logo.

What is the best Waterford crystal?

Lismore. Waterfords most popular cut-crystal pattern, Lismore, was created by the companys designer Miroslav Havel in 1952. It was inspired by the spectacular Lismore Castle in Waterford County, Ireland, a magnificently turreted structure with intricate leaded windows.

Does anyone want Waterford Crystal?

Waterford reopened in 1947, producing most of the fine Waterford crystal available today after that date. Waterford crystal values fluctuate slightly on the world market depending on the economic conditions, but it is a desirable collectible of beautiful quality and style.