Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Irish
Among glassware aficionados, the name Waterford has earned a place of eminence — both for antique crystal vases, glasses, chandeliers and serveware made by the original Irish company in the 18th and 19th centuries, and for new versions of the firm’s classic patterns produced after its rebirth in the 1940s. With either iteration, Waterford is a byword for traditional elegance.
Waterford crystal was born of a tax loophole. 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.
One of Hill’s aesthetic innovations was to polish glassware after a pattern was cut, to buff off the resulting frosted surface. The look became a Waterford trademark. Through the fame of its wine goblets, claret jugs and decanters, the firm continued to win honors at the many industrial expositions of the early Victorian era. But over those years, higher and higher luxury excise taxes were placed on fine crystal. Waterford products became prohibitively expensive, and the company closed in 1851.
The brand’s renown was still intact when it was revived in 1947 by a Czech glass manufacturer named Charles Bacik, who moved to Ireland after the Communist takeover of his country. For centuries, the region now called the Czech Republic had been the great glassware center of Middle Europe — the source of crystal to legendary Viennese glass design firms such as Lobmeyr and Bakalowits. So Bacik brought with him the master glassblower and designer Miroslav Havel.
In Dublin, Havel studied the old Waterford style book archives kept in the National Museum. He used these classic patterns as the basis for new ones such as Lismore, with its crosshatching and flame-like vertical cuts, and Alana, with its heavily textured diamond cuts. Past and present are thus linked at Waterford.
Introduced in 1991, the Marquis by Waterford range of vases, bowls and other wares were priced for everyday use and were intended for use in modern homes. It was the first new brand debuted by the company in what was then its more than two-century history.
As you will see on 1stDibs, antique or recently made, Waterford crystal is the essence of refinement.
Find Waterford crystal vases, serveware and other collectibles for sale on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Waterford Crystal
Antique Pair Irish Waterford Crystal Hand Cut Full Lead Lustres Vases Ireland
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Dublin, Ireland
A Stylish Example of a Fine Pair of Hand Cut Full Lead Crystal Lusters of outstanding heavy gauge quality and good size proportions, made in Ireland by the World-famous Irish Glass C...
Category
19th Century Irish Victorian Antique Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Vintage Waterford Crystal Bowl, Signed
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage crystal bowl by Waterford features organically shaped, intertwined cuts, creating a sense of motion and guiding the eye along the sides of the piece. The distinctive, minima...
Category
Early 2000s Irish Hollywood Regency Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Antique Irish Tipperary Waterford Glass Cut Crystal Bowl Georgian Centerpiece
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Stunning and extremely rare Georgian Irish Heavy Gauge hand cut crystal fruit bowl or centerpiece of traditional outline, of outstanding quality and condition. Circa 1800 - 1825.
The unusual fan-cut decorative rim above a deep cut diamond pattern all-round body with a single ring stem socle, ending on a circular base with star cut pattern underneath. Made in Ireland in either Waterford or Belfast. This piece is unmarked, early pieces were not usually. *This piece is over quarter of an inch in thickness allover.
Condition: Good condition for such an early piece of rare Irish glass. No inside clouding, wonderful evidence of age wear at base underneath, few flea bites to top rim, difficult to see.
Measures: Diameter: (at widest) 5.75” (14.75cm). Height: (just over) 5” (13cm).
Location: Dublin City, Ireland
Provenance: Purchased at Harrods Antiques...
Category
19th Century Irish Georgian Antique Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Antique Irish Tipperary Waterford Glass Cut Crystal Victorian Turnover Bowl 19Ct
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An impressive Hand Deep Cut full lead Irish Crystal Pedestal Turn-over Bowl of circular outline and compact proportions. Made by the Old Waterford Glass...
Category
19th Century Irish Victorian Antique Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Antique Irish Tipperary Waterford Glass Cut Crystal Georgian Centerpiece Bowl 18
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An impressive George II hand cut full led Irish Crystal Pedestal “Kettle Drum” Bowl of circular outline and unusually large proportions. Made by the Old Waterford Glass Company, County Tipperary in Ireland. Late Eighteenth, early Nineteenth Century.
The heavy gauge circular wavy cut rim with a band of richly cut diamond and chevron cut pattern. The lower bowl area with scale cut detailing, raised on a single ring socle stem above a square thick spreading pedestal, underneath with “lemon squeeze” foot detail.
Condition: Good untouched condition with no losses, except for one tight short crack, see two images which clearly show this imperfection, wonderful age wear underneath base. Typically unmarked as Georgian pieces were not.
*Stunning and rare example of a piece of Irish Georgian History. The asking price reflects the imperfection. Wonderful rare “grey” tint to crystal, so typical of Eighteenth-Century Irish pieces.
Diameter: (top rim, an impressive) 9” (23cm).
Height: 8.25" (21cm). Depth: (square base) 3.5" (9cm).
Location: Dublin City, Ireland.
Affordable fixed charge Worldwide Store to door shipping.
The history of Irish Hand Cut Crystal goes back to the late 17th century. George Ravenscroft started the tradition in 1676. The glassmaker added lead oxide to the silicates that make up the molten glass. The process achieved a softness that allowed the glass to be blown and carved while remaining hard and clear as it cooled. The first crystal factory in Ireland opened in County Tyrone in 1771.
The Creation of Waterford Crystal
The Waterford Crystal we know today back in 1783 with George and William Penrose. Their vision was to “create the finest quality crystal for drinking vessels and decorative objects of beauty for the home.”
The Penrose brothers sought the expertise of renowned glassmaker John Hill in 1785. Hill that began the process of polishing the glass to give the unique Waterford Crystal shine now known the world over. Hill left Waterford in 1788 after a major disagreement with the Penrose brothers. Waterford cut glass...
Category
18th Century Irish Georgian Antique Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Waterford Crystal Sunflower Vase with Etched Glass Designs, England, c. 2010
By Waterford Crystal, Steuben Hawkes
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Large vintage Waterford Crystal vase with geometric cut glass designs and etched sunflower motifs reminiscent of the Art Deco era. The v...
Category
2010s English Art Deco Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Irish Waterford Crystal Bowl Comeragh Pattern
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely late 20th century Waterford crystal footed bowl in the Comeragh cut (pattern).
Irish made.
Highly collectible!
Perfect, i...
Category
Late 20th Century Irish Modern Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Antique Irish Tipperary Waterford Glass Cut Crystal Victorian Circular Bowl Tray
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An impressive quite rare deep hand cut full lead Irish Crystal Circular Fruit Bowl or Centerpiece of generous size of circular outline, together with a similar dish of oval form with...
Category
19th Century Irish Regency Antique Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Waterford Cut Crystal Vase Bowl
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Countryside, IL
Waterford Cut Crystal Vase Bowl
This vase measures: 8.25 wide x 8.25 deep x 9 inches high
We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much detail as possible. We ...
Category
Early 2000s Northern Irish Modern Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Waterford Crystal Table Clock
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a diminutive size bed side clock.
It's made by Waterford. The crystal is carved and shaped. The brass accents and the enameled dial give it a lo...
Category
20th Century American Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Vintage Waterford Lismore Crystal Vase
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Elegant cut crystal vase in Lismore pattern is in very good vintage condition. It is standing 7" tall and is signed in etching on the bottom.
The Lismore pattern is one of Waterfor...
Category
20th Century Irish Regency Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Antique Pair Irish Waterford Glass Crystal Hand Cut Lustres Lusters Vase Ireland
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Dublin, Ireland
A Stylish Example of a Fine Pair of Hand Cut Full Lead Crystal Lusters of outstanding heavy gauge quality and good size proportions, all though unmarked were made in our opinion in I...
Category
19th Century Irish Victorian Antique Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Mid-Century 1950s Waterford Large Leaded Crystal Decorative Centerpiece
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Austin, TX
A stunning and large Mid-Century Waterford decorative leaded crystal piece for dining table, hall or coffee table. The container has a matching leaded crystal lid. This is a rare-to-...
Category
Mid-20th Century Irish Mid-Century Modern Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Antique Irish Tipperary Waterford Glass Cut Crystal Victorian Turnover Bowl Tray
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An impressive Hand Deep Cut full lead Irish Crystal Pedestal Turn-over Style Bowl of circular outline and compact proportions, together with an associated deep dish undertray with similar decoration. Both made by the Old Waterford Glass...
Category
19th Century Irish Victorian Antique Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Antique Irish Tipperary Waterford Glass Cut Crystal Victorian Turnover Bowl 19Ct
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An impressive Hand Deep Cut full lead Irish Crystal Pedestal Turn-over Bowl or Centerpiece of circular outline and unusually large proportions. Made by the Old Waterford Glass...
Category
19th Century Irish Victorian Antique Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Evolution by Waterford Opal & Amber 18" Crystal Glass Centerpiece Bowl in Box
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Evolution by Waterford Opal & Amber 18" Crystal Glass Centerpiece Bowl in Box. Circa 21st Century. Measurements: 11" H x 18" W x 9" D.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Pair of Midcentury Waterford Crystal and Brass Candlesticks
By Waterford Crystal
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of midcentury waterford crystal and brass candlesticks.
Category
Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Brass
$316 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Antique Irish Waterford Hand Cut Lead Crystal Lustres Vase Candlestick Ireland
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Dublin, Ireland
A Stylish Example of a Fine Hand Cut Full Lead Crystal Luster of outstanding heavy gauge quality and good size proportions, made in Ireland by the Wo...
Category
19th Century Irish Victorian Antique Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Killarney Clear Crystal Table Vase by Waterford
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exquisite "Killarney" Cut Crystal Vase by Waterford - a stunning piece that effortlessly combines timeless elegance with modern sophistication. This clear glass vase ...
Category
1980s Irish Modern Vintage Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Waterford Cut Crystal Serving Dish Bowl
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Countryside, IL
Waterford Cut Crystal Serving Dish Bowl
This serving dish measures: 13.5 wide x 9.75 deep x 4.25 inches high
We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as much deta...
Category
Early 2000s Northern Irish Modern Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Jeff Leatham for Waterford Icon Purple Amethyst Lead Crystal 9" Decorative Bowl
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Jeff Leatham for Waterford Icon decorative crystal bowl. This is a lovely bowl made with a chic purple amethyst crystal. This bowl is a part of the the Icon collection, a collection designed by Leatham in partnership with Waterford. It features a luxurious design that is inspired by Johns Irish...
Category
Late 20th Century Slovenian Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Vintage Marquis Waterford Red Tango Footed Modern Bowl
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Marquis Waterford Red 8" Tango Footed Modern bowl. Item features circa mid to late 20th century. Measurements: 5.5" H x 8" W x 8" D.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
English Georgian Waterford Crystal Candelabra
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Queens, NY
English Georgian Waterford-style (20th Century) crystal 5 arm candelabra with a faceted design.
Category
20th Century British Georgian Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Waterford Crystal Glass Vase
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Elegant cut crystal vase in Grant pattern standing 25cm in height and is signed in etching on the bottom and also having the Sea horse motif on the side label.
The Grant pattern is o...
Category
Early 2000s British Modern Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Tall Contemporary Glass Vase by Waterford Glass Evolution Line England
By Waterford Crystal
Located in San Diego, CA
This beautiful crystal vase is made by Waterford and is from the Evolution series. acid etched on the bottom circa the 1990's. Beautiful colors and condition.
Category
20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Blown Glass
Waterford Crystal Cut Glass Vase
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Large Crystal Vase designed by Jasper Conran for Waterford Crystal of tapering form with elegant spiral cut decoration in the Art Deco style.
28cm tall x 18cm wide
In 1999, Jasper C...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
1990s Marquis Picture Frame Waterford Crystal Germany
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1990s Marquis Waterford Crystal Picture Frame Germany
10.63 h x 8.75 w x 2.75 d
stamped Marquis Waterford Crystal Germany
Preowned vintage condition
Re...
Category
1990s German Modern Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Waterford Crystal Contemporary Opal and Amber "Evolution" Vase
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Waterford Crystal Contemporary Amber and Opal "Evolution" Vase
This is a gorgeous opaline crystal vase with amber design throughout and a swirl motif on the base by famed Irish glas...
Category
2010s Polish Modern Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Waterford Cut Crystal Horse Racing Trophy Covered Apothecary Jars Trophy Pair
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Pair of Waterford cut glass lead crystal horse racing lidded jars apothecary jar trophies. Each are engraved an signed on the bottom. Engravings are listed below. They would look ...
Category
Early 2000s Northern Irish Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Original Waterford Cut Crystal Ball Candle Holder
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Germantown, MD
An Original, discontinued Waterford Cut Crystal Ball Candle Holder in excellent condition. Measures 4" in diamter and stands 3.5" tall. This item...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
$122 Sale Price
30% Off
Jeff Leatham for Waterford Icon Purple Amethyst Lead Crystal Decorative 10" Vase
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Jeff Leatham for Waterford Icon decorative crystal vase. This is a lovely vase made with a chic purple amethyst crystal. This vase is a part of the the Icon collection, a collection designed by Leatham in partnership with Waterford. It features a luxurious design that is inspired by Johns Irish...
Category
Late 20th Century Slovenian Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Waterford Crystal Candle Holders - a Pair
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Bradenton, FL
A pair of squared lead crystal candle holders made by Waterford Crystal. Cube like sconces top columns blown with tiered sides over stepped...
Category
Late 20th Century Irish Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Waterford Crystal decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Waterford Crystal decorative objects are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of stone and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Waterford Crystal decorative objects, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original decorative objects by Waterford Crystal were created in the modern style in europe during the 20th century. Prices for Waterford Crystal decorative objects can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $102 and can go as high as $1,375, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $423.
Questions About Waterford Crystal Decorative Objects
- 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 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 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 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 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 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.
- 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 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.
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