Waterford Crystal Lantern
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Crystal, Bronze
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Irish Lanterns
Crystal, Marble
20th Century Georgian Chandeliers and Pendants
Crystal, Brass
Finding the Right Lighting for You
The right table lamp, outwardly sculptural chandelier or understated wall pendant can work wonders for your home. While we’re indebted to thinkers like Thomas Edison for critically important advancements in lighting and electricity, we’re still finding new ways to customize illumination to fit our personal spaces all these years later. A wide range of antique and vintage lighting can be found on 1stDibs.
Today, lighting designers like the self-taught Bec Brittain have used the flexible structure of LEDs to craft glamorous solutions by working with what is typically considered a harsh lighting source. By integrating glass and mirrors, reflection can be used to soften the glow from LEDs and warmly welcome light into any space.
Although contemporary innovators continue to impress, some of the classics can’t be beat.
Just as gazing at the stars allows you to glimpse the universe’s past, vintage chandeliers like those designed by Gino Sarfatti and J. & L. Lobmeyr, for example, put on a similarly stunning show, each with a rich story to tell.
As dazzling as it is, the Arco lamp, on the other hand, prioritizes functionality — it’s wholly mobile, no drilling required. Designed in 1962 by architect-product designers Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, the piece takes the traditional form of a streetlamp and creates an elegant, arching floor fixture for at-home use.
There is no shortage of modernist lighting similarly prized by collectors and casual enthusiasts alike — there are Art Deco table lamps created in a universally appreciated style, the Tripod floor lamp by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Greta Magnusson Grossman's sleek and minimalist Grasshopper lamps and, of course, the wealth of mid-century experimental lighting that emerged from Italian artisans at Arredoluce, FLOS and many more are hallmarks in illumination innovation.
With decades of design evolution behind it, home lighting is no longer just practical. Crystalline shaping by designers like Gabriel Scott turns every lighting apparatus into a luxury accessory. A new installation doesn’t merely showcase a space; carefully chosen ceiling lights, table lamps and floor lamps can create a mood, spotlight a favorite piece or highlight your unique personality.
The sparkle that your space has been missing is waiting for you amid the growing collection of antique, vintage and contemporary lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024To date Waterford crystal, look for the maker's mark. Since 1950, the brand has placed markings on discreet areas of its pieces. By comparing the mark on your crystal to images shared by trusted online sources, you can get a rough idea of how old your piece is. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer evaluate your piece. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of Waterford crystal.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024Yes, Waterford crystal typically has value. However, how much a particular piece is worth will depend on its type, style, age, condition, rarity and the current demand for similar items. A certified appraiser or experienced dealer can give you an estimate as to how much a particular Waterford piece is worth. Find a variety of Waterford crystal on 1stDibs.
- How old is Waterford Crystal?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024Waterford Crystal is more than 225 years old. In 1783, business-minded brothers George and William Penrose founded the Waterford Glass House in southeastern Ireland because Irish glass was exempt from steep British import duties. The two wanted to make fine-quality wares and hired artisans from England, including master glassmaker John Hill. The factory's flint glass, a precursor to lead crystal, soon won a clientele among British and continental aristocrats. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of Waterford Crystal pieces.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024Yes, some Waterford Crystal is worth something. Limited edition pieces produced by the Irish maker tend to be highly sought-after among collectors and may be valuable as a result. Typically, the age, type, style and condition of Waterford pieces influence their value. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can evaluate your piece and provide a valuation. Explore a diverse assortment of Waterford Crystal on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024Whether Waterford Marquis crystal is lead crystal depends on its age. Waterford gradually phased out the use of lead in its crystal wear and completely eliminated the material in 2023. Pieces manufactured before that time may or may not be lead crystal. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Waterford crystal ware.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To tell if something is Waterford crystal, grab a magnifying glass and look for the maker's mark. Prior to 2000, the company acid-stamped all of their pieces with the word "Waterford." Crystal made after that have an acid stamp shaped like a seahorse. Shop a range of expertly vetted Waterford crystal on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To check if your Waterford Crystal is vintage, you can check to see if the sticker or foil is still on the piece. There will be a green seahorse logo for Waterford. Also, check the stem to see if the logo has been etched into the crystal. Find a collection of expertly vetted Waterford Crystal pieces from some of the world’s top reputable sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024To identify Waterford crystal marks, place your piece in an area that receives plenty of natural light and use a magnifying glass to examine it. Waterford first introduced markings in 1950. These initial marks display the brand name in Gothic lettering. A more contemporary script font replaced the original markings in 1986. Pieces produced in 2000 and beyond will feature a seahorse mark along with the brand name. Find a collection of Waterford crystal wares on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell if a vase is Waterford crystal, search for the maker's markings. Nearly all Waterford crystal vases feature an acid stamp on their bottoms or interiors. Because this marking has changed over the years, you can compare it to references available on trusted websites to get a rough idea of the age of your piece. Some Waterford vases also feature foil labels. However, these may fall off or be removed by previous owners. If you're still unsure if your vase is a Waterford, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can provide an expert opinion. Explore a selection of Waterford crystal wares on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024To identify Waterford acid marks, hold your piece up to natural light and try using a magnifying glass. The maker began adding its name in Gothic characters to its crystal wares in 1950. In 1986, the acid marks changed to script lettering. Around 2000, Waterford incorporated its seahorse logo into the acid marks. Pieces produced before 1950 will normally not bear acid marks. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Waterford crystal.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, some pieces of Waterford crystal are now crafted in The House of Waterford Crystal in Waterford, Ireland. Most Waterford factories, however, are located in Eastern Europe. Shop a range of authentic Waterford crystal from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2024To find out how much your Waterford crystal is worth, one option is to conduct online research using trusted resources. By examining the previous selling prices for pieces similar to yours in terms of age, style, type and condition, you can get an idea of how much it may be worth. For a more precise valuation, consider seeking the opinion of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Explore a range of Waterford crystal on 1stDibs.
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