Fun Facts About Waterford Crystal and Irish Crystal

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne!

Every year, millions of people from around the world gather to witness the sparkling New Year’s Eve Ball drop in the Big Apple. At 11:59 PM on December 31st, the New Year’s Eve Ball descends down a specially designed pole to come to a rest at midnight EST-signaling the beginning of a new year full of challenges, changes, dreams, and hopes.

The New Year’s Eve Ball drop in Times Square became an event in 1907 and has been held annually ever since. Over the years, the New Year’s Eve Ball has been redesigned and updated to reflect the advancements in technology.

The last design of the New Year’s Eve Ball was made to commemorate the millennium in 2000. However, how many of you know that Ireland played a huge part in that process? That’s right, the talented craftsmen at Waterford Crystal Factory created the beautiful symbol for our New Year’s Eve festivities.

Weighing 1,070 pounds, measuring six feet in diameter, covered by 2,688 delicate triangular pieces, and illuminated with bulbs, spinning mirrors, and strobe lights in colors of red, yellow, green, and blue-the New Year’s Eve Ball is truly a site to behold.

In 2002, a portion of the triangles were replaced with engraved names of people and organizations who assisted and suffered during that tragic day on 9/11. Hence, a tradition was born. Different inscribed messages are added every year; corresponding with the changing theme.

To usher in 2013, the New Year’s Eve Ball will have 288 new crystal panels with doves delicately etched into them to represent the new theme of, “Let There Be Peace.” People from around the globe can submit personal messages of peace via #PeaceNYE on Facebook and Twitter pages for Times Square and Waterford Crystal. Some of them might even be read during the live broadcast, while the rest will be posted online. This year, there will also be a special dedication to Dick Clark-paying him homage to his many years of broadcasting during the event. His name will even be engraved into one of the permanent panels of the New Year’s Eve Ball. Such a beautiful tribute in his memory!

Remember if you are driving in Ireland and want to see a replica of the New Year’s Eve Ball or meet the skilled artists, be sure you visit the Waterford Crystal Factory. You will definitely be impressed!

On December 31st, raise your glass, watch the New Year’s Eve Ball (Straight from the Emerald Isle.) drop, and join millions of voices countdown to 2013.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1! HAPPY NEW YEAR!