Ireland, Waterford Crystal Factory

We toured the Waterford Crystal Factory, in Waterford, Ireland. We have seen glass blowing other places, but this is about the first volume production line we have seen. They do not sell any second quality Waterford Crystal, if the object is not perfect, they break it and melt it all over again. There is a big furnace in the center of a room, and several blowers get molten glass from the same furnace.

The room with the glass cutters is large and noisy. After six or eight years, a glass cutter at Waterford Crystal may be good enough to “cut” an “apprentice bowl.” This special bowl has a difficult design, and twelve stars. If the cutter cuts everything properly, they now cut a special star and he is promoted to Master Craftsman. They do not sell any of their products at the factory, they must be purchased at regular stores.