When I was recently obliged to show up with something for a supervisor's wedding, it was a chance to make a good impression for myself by presenting something elegant and beloved. I only knew this lady professionally, but understood that standing out in her mind on more personal terms might be professionally useful one day. Searching online for elegant gift ideas that would really make a mark, I came across the factoid that President Ronald Reagan's jellybean jar had been a Waterford crystal. Something about this meeting of the formal and the irreverent caught my imagination, and after selecting a Waterford crystal picture frame I became very curious about the history of these highly collectible treasures.
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.
From its storied beginnings, Waterford Crystal has since expanded into other fine collectibles like porcelain, jewelry, and flatware, bringing its attention to detail and devotion to luxury to other upscale products. From an initial workforce of 50 to 70 souls, Waterford Crystal grew to employ well over a thousand worldwide. Unfortunately, in an echo of company history, the company spent the first half of 2009 looking for a buyer of its distressed operations and diverse assets. It is now currently owned by KPS Capital Partners, LP. But no matter who takes ultimate receivership of the legendary Waterford name, Waterford crystals endure as beloved heirlooms from generation to generation, gracing homes from Windsor Castle to my supervisor's -- and that's the truest ownership of all, a Waterford masterpiece.
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.
From its storied beginnings, Waterford Crystal has since expanded into other fine collectibles like porcelain, jewelry, and flatware, bringing its attention to detail and devotion to luxury to other upscale products. From an initial workforce of 50 to 70 souls, Waterford Crystal grew to employ well over a thousand worldwide. Unfortunately, in an echo of company history, the company spent the first half of 2009 looking for a buyer of its distressed operations and diverse assets. It is now currently owned by KPS Capital Partners, LP. But no matter who takes ultimate receivership of the legendary Waterford name, Waterford crystals endure as beloved heirlooms from generation to generation, gracing homes from Windsor Castle to my supervisor's -- and that's the truest ownership of all, a Waterford masterpiece.
About the Author:
Article by Yvonne W. Decker. She writes about how a Waterford Crystal makes a great wedding gift. For a Waterford Crystal visit TheYellowDoor.com they have the best prices and service on the web.
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