Thursday, August 13, 2009

The History Of Waterford Crystals

By Yvonne W. Decker

Do you ever have those moments when you absolutely have to make a good impression? I recently found myself in one such situation. I was invited to my bosses wedding. We aren't exactly best pals but I really don't want to harm our professional relationship. I knew my gift had to be classy and elegant. Who knows my gift might even help me get a promotion. I hit the internet pretty hard and began my search for the perfect gift. In my web travels I came across an interesting bit of information. President Ronald Reagan's jellybean jar was a Waterford Crystal. It seemed like the perfect gift idea. As I was narrowing my search on Waterford Crystals I became increasingly interested in their rich history as a company and crystal manufacturer.

Waterford Crystals were first made during the Iron Age in Waterford County Waterford Ireland. The crystals still remain as one of the most important additions to the glass making industry. The company was started by the Penrose brothers William and George in 1783. Their crystals quickly became a worldwide sensation with their expertly designed translucent look.

Unfortunately the brothers couldn't keep up with all the needless taxes which were forced upon their business. It took about a hundred years for the business to get back on its feet when it was purchased by Charles Bacik a Czech immigrant in 1947. He managed to open up a new factory located about only a mile from the original Penrose brothers factory and started reviving the Waterford Crystal company.

A survey was conducted back in 2000 to see just how popular Waterford Crystals are. 30,000 people selected Waterford Crystals as one of the top brands associated with wealth and fortune. Waterford Crystals beat out other brands such as Rolls Royce Bentley, Harley Davidson Motorcycles, Bose, Eastman Kodak, and Heinz Tomato Ketchup. Waterford Crystals are so popular they were chosen to create the crystal balls that are dropped each year at Times Square for New Years Eve. The giant orb weighs half a ton and consists of 504 miniature balls which are specifically designed to withstand the extreme weather during the winter.

While Waterford Crystals are known for their luxurious crystals they have also dabbled in producing many other types of elegant collectibles such as flatware, jewelry and porcelain figurines. They have a humble beginning with only a few dozen workers but now their workforce stretches into the thousands employing people around the world. The company as seen a revival of business when it was acquired by KPS Capital Partners, LP. Waterford Crystals will continue to produce luxurious collectibles which are enjoyed in castles to my bosses modest home.

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