Waterford Crystal

When we traveled through Waterford two years ago it was during tourist season, full tour buses congested the streets and travelers filled the sidewalks.  As I’ve mentioned before one of the main reasons we chose to stay a year here was to experience Ireland when all the tourists go home.  Winter is the best time to visit those places that would otherwise be jam-packed at the height of the season.  So many times, we’ve stood in the back of the crowd waiting our turn to get up front to see what everyone else was looking at – after the tour guide had already moved on. 

In Waterford, this time, we took a tour of the Waterford Crystal factory.  There were only 5 of us on the tour and it was wonderful.  Plenty of room along the rail at the front so see everything that was going on. Which is great for me at 5 ft, one inch. We also got to experience a few things most would not – like holding a solid crystal football; worth thousands of dollars.  

Our guide Valarie was able to answer every question and give each of us her special attention.  She was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Waterford Crystal. A fascinating process of blends and procedures from start to finish.  80% of the process is now done in the U.K. but the blowing and etching remains in Ireland.   

There is a 5-year apprentice program. There are over 600 different etching's that one must master to become a certified Waterford Crystal etcher.  At the end of the apprentice program they are given 3 chances to etch a bowl with a very specific pattern. Once they have successfully completed their 'final examine' they etch their name on the bowl and it is theirs to keep as their diploma. 

Apprentice Bowl

The finished products; craftsmanship are extraordinary, quite beautiful and expensive for good reason. 

PHOTO ALBUM