Many of today's Irish crystal-makers craft crystal as in centuries past. The first artisan to touch a piece of crystal is the gaffer; his job is to lift the molten mixture on the end of a blowpipe, then twist it, blow into it, pull it, and cut it over an extremely hot chamber. Forming the entire vessel usually happens in a matter of minutes, when it is hot enough to be malleable, a skill that is honed through many years of experience. To form certain shapes and add spouts, handles, or other ornamentation, artisans use wooden and metal glassmaking tools, mostly custom-made in the factory. After all additions are affixed, the piece is annealed, meaning it is heated evenly then cooled so that all the components are completely fused.
After the basic piece is formed, it moves to decoration, the most laborious part of the process. Today most crystal vessels are cut by hand, with the aid of a diamond saw and/or other electric wheels. Pieces may also be engraved with figures or words, using a small wheel coated with a special paste that creates a frosted appearance.
The headquarters of Waterford Crystal, a brand synonymous with Irish craftsmanship, is one of the country's most popular attractions. On a guided tour, you can watch artisans hand-blowing, cutting, and engraving Waterford's distinctive patterns. Scattered around the island, additional quality crystal makers with historic ties include Galway in western Ireland, Cavan in the north of the Republic, and Tyrone in Northern Ireland. More recent enterprises like Tipperary, Kinsale, and Killarney also make crystal according to traditional Irish methods.
Purchasing crystal in Ireland is great fun, but travelers should be aware of a few important facts. Irish crystal from the major houses goes through a rigorous quality control process, and you can rest assured of authenticity if you buy a new piece from one of the factory stores or authorized retail outlets. However, Waterford and other makers now outsource some of their production to Germany and several Eastern European countries known for their crystal artisans. Even certain pieces sold in the factory store may not have been made in the factory or even in Ireland, so be sure to check the labeling carefully and ask questions to avoid disappointment. Prices for Waterford crystal are fixed within the Republic of Ireland, whether purchased at the factory store or another retailer.
Second, buying antique pieces of Irish crystal can be a tricky business, because a lack of hallmarks makes it difficult to identify the source and maker. Many pieces of old glass may be labeled "Waterford," but authenticating antique pieces from the famed factory can prove challenging even for crystal experts. If you buy an antique, consider getting a written appraisal, and stick to well-documented pieces. Classic items include stemware, bowls, and decanters, but the range of crystal objects is staggering, from pens to chandeliers and figurines. Old or new, classic examples of Irish crystal hold pride of place in many of the world's best collections.
