Why Waterford Crystal Master Craftsmen Train For 8 Years | Insider Business

Waterford Crystal is an over-200-year-old company that makes high-end crystal glassware in Waterford, Ireland. Household pieces like wine glasses cost about $150, but vases and other pieces go for well over $1,000. Waterford made the famous Times Square Ball and also makes trophies for events like the PGA Tour, Formula 1, and the People’s Choice Awards. It’s not just the name that fetches high prices, however, but the uniqueness of the patterns as well as the skilled, handmade craftsmanship and eight years of apprenticeship that go into each piece.
MORE SO EXPENSIVE VIDEOS:
How Korea’s Last Hanji Artisans Make $22 Sheets Of Paper | So Expensive | Insider Business
• This Ancient Paper Can...
11 Of The Most Expensive Items Made In The USA | So Expensive | Insider Business
• 11 Of The Most Expensi...
12 Jobs That Take A Lifetime To Master | So Expensive | Insider Business
• 12 Jobs That Take A Li...
------------------------------------------------------
#Waterford #Crystal #SoExpensive #InsiderBusiness
Business Insider tells you all you need to know about business, finance, tech, retail, and more.
Visit our homepage for the top stories of the day: www.businessin...
Insider Business on Facebook: / businessinsider
Insider Business on Instagram: / insiderbusiness
Insider Business on Twitter: / businessinsider
Insider Business on Snapchat: / 5319643143
Insider Business on TikTok: / businessinsider
Why Queen Elizabeth Loved These $150 Crystal Glasses | So Expensive | Insider Business

[@Gunfighter95]

I wonder what their management practices look. To keep people around for 30+ years and for the employees to only see themselves working there and to personally only use Waterford products indicates that they must be doing something right in their management.

[@theodoreaguglia8902]

I was watching this thinking the same thing -It must be a great place to work.

[@kezia8027]

or they're in a cult lmao

[@kawaiipurplesaphire6163]

Money-

[@transatlant1c]

I think it also helps a bit that they live in Waterford. You have a reputable luxury brand in your hometown, where generations of your family have worked previously; I think I’d stay too

[@ye4us]

As they said, it's mainly a family thing. So workers there had parents that worked there and it goes down through generations.

[@silverlime4921]

How beautiful, My uncle actually has some pieces from Waterford and they are truly beautiful and a cut above any other crystals we have. Even just the way it feels to hold you can tell it is more luxurious than simple glass, i don't fully know how to explain it, but they truly do put in love and care into every piece!! Much love to Waterford will always be buying their crystals as high end gifts for special occasions!

[@MoreTubContentOnMyChannel]

The light hits them differently.

[@judithwatt5950]

In Waterford, each church has different chandeliers especially designed and I think gifted by Waterford, to the church. Is amazing going into the churches and seeing these works of art blended with the style of architecture. If cutters do not have sick days, they are gifted blocks of crystal they can design and cut themselves for themselves and their family. I stayed in a cutter’s house and saw beautiful original designs. Stunning pieces he gave his wife each year. She put a little bird he carved in my hand.

[@Bringthewinter]

I have the highest respect for craftsmen. It’s a talent you can’t fake, and a passion you can’t forget. And possibly the best work on the planet once you find your niche.

[@johndoh5182]

So, I'm not buying this stuff because it's out of my price range but it makes me happy that the art survives and the company makes their money. I'm sure having the contract for the NYC New Years Even ball helps. So good on them! I have a cheaper crystal and I certainly like using it. The table always looks nicer when it's put out.

[@baxterbunch]

Buy second hand, I collect waterford crystal products and have a cabinet full but only spent around £500 in total

[@Dhananjuly]

Believe me, this is one of the finest series on KZbin. Absolutely nonsense free.

[@crustycurmudgeon2182]

"nonsense free"? The mere existence of this stuff is SHEAR NONSENSE! A $600.00 glass to drink from is bonkers! Those drinking vessels impart NOTHING to the liquid they contain-- what's the point? This isn't "art for art's sake", it's art for snob's sake. Purposeless, frivolous and a form of condescending I can't even describe!

[@michaelweber1921]

@@crustycurmudgeon2182 Okay Kim Jong Un. No one is allowed to spend their own money until you approve it because anyone with a bit of extra money has to be evil and didn't work for it.

[@Retsbol]

​@@crustycurmudgeon2182 We get it, all the microplastics and corn syrup from your disposal plastic cup drinks have leeched into your brain

[@Astr0b0y8]

These artisans have incredible skill. What talent!

[@connecticutaggie]

We were gifted a Waterford Vase for our wedding with a note from the artisan the created if "for the young Hancock family". It is a beautiful piece and a very special memory.

[@cassie668]

‘King Charles of England and… Camilla’ 😂 omg the shade people have against her lmao will never stop amusing me

[@realshaho3180]

I chuckled at that remark too 😂

[@redwoods7370]

Very hard for people to say Queen Camilla.

[@parkerstricklandrobinson5230]

Love that Waterford is a place where families have continued to work throughout the generations 🩵 These artisans have such pride in their work!

[@drxym]

Look up the history of Waterford Crystal. Their Ireland operation as it is now, is basically a facade to justify the factory tour and the shop at the end of it. A couple of hundred people where it used to employ thousands.

[@lampaddiction]

This is phenomenal. Honestly, this kind of worksmanship isn't valued enough. I went to Google and saw that the average pay is less than $70k a year. These skilled beings need triple the pay.

[@Tao_Tology]

Where did it show the salaries?

[@Gwallacec2]

That’s all these luxury brands and companies in general. They charge insane amounts and the workers get paid almost nothing for their insane level of craftsmanship.

[@fuckcorporati0ns]

If you watched video fully, you can see who recieves most of the income (spoiler: not the masters)

[@hellacooook]

That goes for every job in the world. Economic inequality is the worse it’s been since the 1920s

[@ArtTheSinger]

You can’t believe google. I’m sure the master cutter there makes over a $100K

[@kodywillnauer9422]

Speed, quality, price. You can only ever pick two. Beautiful work.

[@CoolHand273]

These days you will lucky to even get one out of three.

[@kodywillnauer9422]

@@CoolHand273 agreed. So seek businesses who still do. They will make it when times get tough.

[@user-ge3zh3jn2s]

We love our Waterford!! Recently started purchasing it for my son and his new wife.. I hope they will enjoy it, and love it as much as I have..

[@angelad.8944]

Getting a tour there is on my bucket list. I would be all starry eyed, it's so amazing! Artisans like this have my deepest admiration and respect. 😍🤩

[@Smalls1]

Went on a tour a few years ago. It's what you expect and more. Amazing craftmenship and dedication. Also got to see a few one off pieces while in the process of being made. You get really up close to them working. Guide was very informative and had great humour. Definitely a must see!

[@OmegaGamingNetwork]

I actually had no idea these were that expensive. I have a bunch of them that were my mother and grandmothers treasured pieces packed away. I never understood why they made such a big deal out of them. Apparently my grandmother spent a small fortune on them and I never knew. Funny because I doubt I'll ever use them and they will probably stay in their box for the next 40 years.

[@DutchCreekRanch1]

You can send them to me 😂

[@LittleRed4]

@@DutchCreekRanch1, Ikr!

[@Ass_of_Amalek]

just make sure they don't break, they'll probably retain a lot of value.

[@Findecommie]

Same, my parents have a set from their wedding that we use at major holidays and the like and it never really occurred to me just how expensive or prestigious they are, makes me insanely glad I've never damaged them lol

[@kayceegoff724]

I went on a tour here last year, and it was an amazing experience

[@LaurenceDay-d2p]

Good to see that ancient arts are still practiced today by skilled people.

[@markveals2915]

We were fortunate to take a tour of the factory when we visited Ireland (from the U.S.) earlier this year. Mr. Evans was working at the time, and I remembered him as soon as I saw this video.

[@constantine243]

Loved it, learned about them, now i will find an original wine glass piece for myself and my family. Thank You Waterford. ❤ Lots of Love from India.

[@diansong1394]

Insider is the new How It Works with more friendly narratives :)

[@Angela-en6oh]

What a wonderfully uplifting video. The staff come across as so happy. And the results they produce are exquisite.

[@joshschneider9766]

Im envious of Camila, she just gets to pick up the crystal phone and grin just because she loves the stuff.

[@diceman199]

I don't like cut crystal myself, prefer a simpler look, but the craftwork that goes into this is amazing

[@Petree2]

It is a shame that almost none of it is made in Waterford anymore. I have a ton of actual Waterford, but now it is almost all outsourced. It is a shame they don’t mention that it is almost all in Eastern Europe now.

[@KA-su9ww]

Do your research it is now made Waterford.

[@mackrevinack]

@@KA-su9ww thats news to me. i was still under the impression that most of the glass is made somewhere else and what is in Waterford now is just a showroom. the old Waterford Glass factory + showroom has been in ruins for years and is currently being torn down to make way for student accomodation for the college next door. so is there a small factory at the back the current showroom maybe? i cant imagine its too big though so i cant imagine they make everything there, and i am also not aware of there being a factory anywhere else in Waterford, i think i would have noticed it by now but i could be wrong

[@liamconnolly164]

@@KA-su9ww I live in Waterford and have many family and friends who are former master craftsmen at Waterford Crystal. At it's height in the 1970's they employed 3000 people. The actual crystal factory closed many years ago and has now been demolished and Waterford Crystal ceased being made in Waterford in 2006. The" House of Waterford Crystal" is only a visitor centre for tourists with a small production unit strictly for visitors. All the crystal they make is destroyed and recycled. The actual crystal is now manufactured in eastern Europe and branded as Waterford but the paperwork that accompanies the pieces does indicate where the glass i actually made.

[@carltrotter7622]

I won a prize last year called "The Platinum Jubilee Prize" which was to commemorate the last and greatest Jubilee of Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth III. The prize is literally a Waterford salad bowl with a highly polished wooden stand and plaque with my name. Never knew Waterford meant so much to her Majesty! The more you know!

[@nvge8722]

I'm going to Waterford, Ireland in 18 days and plan on buying something 😊. I own a few pieces I've had for 25 years... I feel very fortunate 🙏

[@paulbarry6766]

Make sure you confirm it's hand cut in Waterford..this is all a front. Mostly made cheaply in Poland..Slovakia..etc..

[@nancycurtis7315]

Nothing was mentioned about the water on the cutting wheel preventing glass dust from entering their lungs! This is vital as the dust is like microscopic glass shards and cuts its way in with every breath. They do not come out. Similar to breathing in asbestos. Long term illnesses and death to some. Just a thought. Gemstone dry cutting, mining minerals, etc have these problems as well, because it does not decompose. Greetings from Dimboola, in Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺.

[@60Airflyte]

I was fortunate enough to visit there some years ago. I purchased some lovely wedding presents for family and a Four Seasons Vase for myself.

[@hollybug-76542]

Have enjoyed many Holiday's drinking from Waterford crystal glasses. And everyone playing their crystal at the table. Fun times, beautiful glasswear ❤ and looks like a good company too.

[@mycreativedesignsspace6739]

I have a little lamp that’s 28 years old and a larger pendant cross. I love them both!

[@shammamurphy4172]

Seems like a lovely place to work - nice to know too that these pieces keep their value.

[@timothyshortnacy7550]

Beautiful product! I have been to the factory many times and have several pieces.

[@kharakessler1390]

And that is the level of culture I aim to create at my companies. To be a CHOICE “employer” where people are happy to spend THEIR time. We need to go into business with the intention of not wasting the peoples time who decide to work there. ❤ period.

[@Jorg05111980]

I loved this series. I would love to collect the glasses, but I'm not to much into the dolphin shapes etc, it's the glasses that are really the masterpieces (and will contain value)

[@floridafrostbite8002]

I’m getting more crystal from vintage shops, this video made me do it.

[@kharakessler1390]

As long as I’ve been alive, David’s been cutting crystal at this company.

[@DadReid]

Fully agree. We had an interesting visit and bought glasses and a fruit bowl only to find, on opening them at home, small stickers saying made in somewhere in Eastern Europe. We felt cheated.

[@justknowitbyajmal1114]

As a designer i have no words to explain my feelings ❤

[@Levi-vs8vh]

Every video this channel puts out is so damn interesting.

[@HostileTakeover555]

I have a family member who is very laid back, but I got her champagne glasses for her wedding that were Waterford. The reason I did that is so they could be family heirlooms passed down for generations.

[@Gwallacec2]

It’s insane how much these cost and the craftsmen don’t even get paid enough. All goes to the rich ceos.

[@isoney]

I appreciate all the family Waterford crystal a lot more after this. Great mini film

[@nyxspiritsong5557]

I've inherited a large amount of Waterford crystal from my mil. They're so beautiful. She begged me to actually use them when I can. We had root beer flats in some the other night lol (I don't drink... she told me it doesn't matter. Tea, juice, water, whatever! To just use them)

[@joshschneider9766]

Intriguing to learn their current batch recipe is lead free. I wonder how it feels to work with. Always loved seeing their work. Truly special offerings for sure.

[@EleyReiHer]

I have one! My principal give to me as present on holiday. Totally still look pristine after decades

[@rishikeshsahu7539]

Fine works always get more expensive.

[@Amoghavarsha.]

Thinking can we replicate that in India...we have large market in india and in future 15 years Indians average salary gonna increase so

[@vsznry]

@@Amoghavarsha. you have to create brand value, and if a luxury item.. exclusivity. Not many can go for high end items still in that market.

[@desert_holly]

What a GREAT video!! I immediately sent it to my mama, who makes incredible stained glass pieces - & gave me a love for glass ❤

Un trabajó majestuoso, damos por hecho cosas que ni idea tenemos lo complicadas que son, una maravilla. Bendiciones.

[@garywhite2050]

They said, "Masterblower" !😂

[@TojiFushigoroWasTaken]

ive seen some master blowers behind an mcdonald's alleyway....apparently now you have to book their services via an app 😂 else they charge you extra

[@spikerzombie]

Started blowing crystal at 15😿

[@mrsapplez2007]

Mate.....I sniggered and thought....YA MUM IS A MASTERBLOWER😂😂😂😂😂 Edit: Rimming😂😂😂

[@വട്ടോളി]

Not cool bruh...

[@hariz0102]

Masterblower is very important ❤😂

[@allythearts5439]

A collectors dream ✨

[@DerekJeterrl]

High end Water Pipes are made the same way aka bongs. I've seen some bongs in person that cost over $40,000. Truly a art.

[@EricJTannenbaum]

Ahh.. maybe Snoop Dog can commision a Waterford Crystal Bong?? 😂🥳

[@DerekJeterrl]

@@EricJTannenbaum if this is a subject you wanna see a cool documentary on I recommend “Degenerate Art: The Art and Culture of Glass Pipes” can be found here on KZbin. The most expensive piece sold so far was a $100,000+ Mothership Glass X Sagan Glass collaboration.

[@leathorns1751]

So odd to see something local on this channel! XD This is awesome :)

[@fionnjordan5099]

It's wonderful Watford Crystal (an Irish company) made it to Inside Business' So Expensive series as it definitely fermented itself as a system of luxury

[@fionnjordan5099]

Symbol. I mean Symbol of luxury

[@kasondaleigh]

I found a Waterford bowl at a thrift store once,- my dogs drank out of it for 15 years. Beautiful piece.

[@tbrowniscool]

I love that!

[@farginargle]

Considering the enormous amount of expert work, materials, and so on that go into it, the price per piece is actually pretty low.

[@fuckcorporati0ns]

One dude blows 315 glasses a day. The sell each around 150$ per piece This is more than a million per month, you sure or you just bad at math? What is actually low is craftsman salary

[@waterboi18]

@@fuckcorporati0ns then the person has to cool them down. Then they have to perform the cutting, final QA. All of that goes into the making a piece. lets say 3 hours for the glass ends up being $50 an hour.. Your sure you aren't bad a math?

[@SoSpecters]

@@waterboi18 read his username. Butthurt loser who has no understanding how the real world works.

[@skipfluck4299]

A lot of the crystal is manufactured in Eastern Europe, they are outsourcing it.

[@RayMak]

So extremely beautiful

[@shekharmoona544]

My mother has Waterford pieces. I will admit the weight and balance of some pieces are unparalleled compared to the competition.

[@thecaptain4829]

We sold Waterford for a number of years and we have a beautiful collection of the art pieces. I love Waterford and would never use any of it. They make a lower price point crystal that is called Waterford marque and we always brought that home to use I always told everyone that I would cut my throat if I broke a piece of real Waterford so it is never used it just sits in the curio cabinet and looks beautiful

[@Ass_of_Amalek]

I would not have guessed that those cuts aremade from the bottom , guided by hand looking through the glass. that's impressive.

[@ristube3319]

I’m watching this from Waterford!…Connecticut.

[@phranerphamily]

Applause 👏👏👏 beautiful

[@juanolivares1300]

These are beautiful, but I prefer the Dollar Tree glasses...😅😅

[@pulutovito0073]

As always., Love the narration.

[@APEIRON-FILMS]

well produced. Cudos Philip Kidd + Kate Horvath.

[@graphiquejack]

I have the Maeve pattern and absolutely love it

[@tiktok-pc2sq]

All employees are happy working for the company and could see the dedication and their love for their job in every step of it. Wish I could find my passion like them :)

[@Tao_Tology]

8:12 Jaysus, will ye look at the arms on that fella. 💪

[@adamwolf2376]

Matt himself is massive, I've seen him hacking away at the oul gym

[@aldogrove2677]

The ending though 😅

[@CountryandIrishFan]

Hello from Waterford, Ireland 😊

[@ElevatedThreat]

I own a Waterford punch bowl that was handed down to me from my mother. She bought it in the early 1950s. It is about 20 inches in diameter and very thick and heavy. It bears the Irish lace cuttings. I'd love to know the value.

[@amira3650]

Good management maintain their staff and I’m sure they’re well looked after Bad management have high turnover in staff

[@ivanscottw]

Crystal artwork is also all over the world ! Of course, Waterford but also Murano - an island in Venice bay totally dedicated to the craft, Baccarat crystal of course - and the more mainstream Swarozsky crystalware (in no way indicating it is inferior !) and probably plenty of other more niche artisans and small shops all around the world. Crystal is unique in it's composition, formulas and then shaping, crafting - always a indication of luxary pride because of the unique looks, sounds (so important) and feel when slowly sipping through a fine burgundy wine which may cost per sip even more than the container of the nectar ! No one would even think of drinking a Romané Conti out of a red solo cup !

[@rivkaclifford427]

Such talent!

[@TheZowen88]

You can tell it's a Waterford because of the way it is.

[@madeinhawaii]

I had a dream about Waterford last night. My Waterford rn is a small lamp.

[@RakeshKumar-dq1bx]

wonderfully captured the essence of the cut glass process. I was looking for the 360 ° glass marking wheel/ table. Where can I get that?

[@waynekile983]

I wish they would have shown the polishing process. Which is so different from turn of the century "American Brilliant Period" were each cut was hand polished, in several stages. Would most likely be cost prohibited today.

[@damonhoulston4845]

Love this I worked for royal brierley crystal

[@b.gopalakrishna870]

Amazing works. Excellent skills. Very tough to handle. With tiny EYE.

[@liamconnolly164]

This video is totally miss-leading. Waterford Crystal ceased making crystal in Waterford in 2006. The Waterford manufacturing plant has been demolished. The "House of Waterford" facility is strictly a tourist trap. The small manufacturing facility doesn't produce any glass for sale , it's all destroyed and recycled. The glass is now manufactured in Eastern Europe

[@nancytestani1470]

Just amazing, gorgeous

[@54hman]

You can still drink out of a normal glass and get the same results. Quite incredible

[@pavelow235]

You say that about everything on Earth. "You can still poop in a cheap WalMart toilet and get the same results. Quite incredible"

[@Michael-pi8ps]

You can still drive a 1990 Ford Focus and get to the same location. Quite incredible

[@Hateweek1984]

Crystal isnt my thing.... but you gotta respect what they do over at Waterford!...respect!

[@cleverusername9369]

Conan O'Brien's family is from near Waterford, I wonder if any of his relatives have ever worked there. Edit* on second thought, he's 100% Irish, so it's basically impossible that none of his relatives have worked there.

[@koksallce6750]

Great content! Thank you!

[@LRXC1]

This is amazing

[@youknoweverything7643]

I have a 12 piece wine glass set a few bowls and vases from Waterford as wedding presents from my rich uncle amd rich family members that gifted us that stuff for our wedding presents and you can tell the difference jist the way thier glasses feel in your hands and the way they look os completely different then any other glass in the same class level and luxury level of habd made wine glasses and glassware. Its hard to explain but if you set a waterfprd Crystal wine glass next to another brand high end crystal wone Glass you can tell that the waterford one is alpt nicer and a different look to it as in clarity and the way the wine looks on the glass. And when you cheers snd tap the glasses they have a completely different sound as well. And the employees who have waterford collections or knly drink and use waterford are highly paid and also probably get to make thier own waterford glassware for themselves,.so you could only inagine that they have 1of 1 only made design wine glasses and glassware that they made for themselves thats waterford brand and probably worth tons and tons of money cause they made ot for themselves and no other consumer glassware they make has that same design

[@patrickstarnes2355]

Did someone say drinking from Waterford glasses is healthier? It improves the flavors?

[@MichaelJohnson-mh7mp]

Thank you

[@jujitsujew23]

Most Waterford is made in Eastern Europe now

[@hansolowe19]

Can you do a video about the making of bronze statues? They're very expensive too.

[@oviliatam7540]

謝謝~~🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@anastellabritto7758]

QUE ESPETÁCULO DE TRABALHOS 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@auro1986]

why? craftsmanship is better than any 3d printer

[@Matteus2109]

God, Glass working is magic.

[@G17-911]

Mike Holmgren cuts Crystal in the off-season ? Wow.

[@kazum1809]

Let’s go lads.

[@Simonsays7258]

What is the average salary for Waterford Crystal employees in the United States? Waterford Crystal employees earn $53,000 annually on average, or $25 per hour, which is 22% lower than the national salary average of $66,000 per year in the U.S. And in Ireland How Much Do Waterford Jobs Pay? The average salary in Waterford is €34,000 per year or €12.50 per hour.

[@purplevorpal]

i do actually have a few Waterford crystal glasses they r very fancy