Why Waterford Crystal Master Craftsmen Train For 8 Years

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

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9 ай бұрын

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.
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Пікірлер: 312

@Gunfighter95 9 ай бұрын

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 9 ай бұрын

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

@kezia8027 9 ай бұрын

or they're in a cult lmao

@kawaiipurplesaphire6163 9 ай бұрын

Money-

@transatlant1c 9 ай бұрын

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 9 ай бұрын

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

@silverlime4921 9 ай бұрын

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!

@Been.Here.Since.2007 9 ай бұрын

The light hits them differently.

@judithwatt5950 9 ай бұрын

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.

@Dhananjuly 9 ай бұрын

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

@crustycurmudgeon2182 9 ай бұрын

"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 9 ай бұрын

@@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 7 ай бұрын

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

@Astr0b0y8 9 ай бұрын

These artisans have incredible skill. What talent!

@johndoh5182 9 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

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

@parkerstricklandrobinson5230 9 ай бұрын

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

@Bringthewinter 8 ай бұрын

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.

@lampaddiction 9 ай бұрын

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 9 ай бұрын

Where did it show the salaries?

@Gwallacec2 9 ай бұрын

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 9 ай бұрын

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

@hellacooook 9 ай бұрын

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

@ArtTheSinger 9 ай бұрын

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

@cassie668 9 ай бұрын

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

@realshaho3180 9 ай бұрын

I chuckled at that remark too 😂

@redwoods7370 8 ай бұрын

Very hard for people to say Queen Camilla.

@connecticutaggie 9 ай бұрын

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.

@diansong1394 9 ай бұрын

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

@kodywillnauer9422 9 ай бұрын

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

@CoolHand273 9 ай бұрын

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

@kodywillnauer9422 9 ай бұрын

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

@OmegaGamingNetwork 9 ай бұрын

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 9 ай бұрын

You can send them to me 😂

@sgupta4 9 ай бұрын

@@DutchCreekRanch1, Ikr!

@Ass_of_Amalek 9 ай бұрын

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

@Findecommie 9 ай бұрын

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

@joshschneider9766 Ай бұрын

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

@nvge8722 9 ай бұрын

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 🙏

@markveals2915 9 ай бұрын

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.

@angelad.8944 9 ай бұрын

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 9 ай бұрын

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!

@kayceegoff724 9 ай бұрын

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

@Angela-en6oh 9 ай бұрын

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

@diceman199 9 ай бұрын

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

@constantine243 9 ай бұрын

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.

@carltrotter7622 9 ай бұрын

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!

@shammamurphy4172 9 ай бұрын

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

@hollybug-76542 4 ай бұрын

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.

@floridafrostbite8002 9 ай бұрын

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

@pulutovito0073 9 ай бұрын

As always., Love the narration.

@timothyshortnacy7550 7 ай бұрын

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

@60Airflyte 9 ай бұрын

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.

@joshschneider9766 Ай бұрын

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.

@kharakessler1390 8 ай бұрын

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

@Levi-vs8vh 9 ай бұрын

Every video this channel puts out is so damn interesting.

@tiktok-pc2sq 9 ай бұрын

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 :)

@EleyReiHer 3 ай бұрын

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

@nancycurtis7315 9 ай бұрын

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 🇦🇺.

@koksallce6750 8 ай бұрын

Great content! Thank you!

@Jorg05111980 9 ай бұрын

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)

@isoney 9 ай бұрын

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

@mycreativedesignsspace6739 9 ай бұрын

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

@patrickconnolly7130 9 ай бұрын

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 Ай бұрын

Do your research it is now made Waterford.

@mackrevinack 4 күн бұрын

@@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

@LRXC1 6 ай бұрын

This is amazing

@leathorns1751 9 ай бұрын

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

Ай бұрын

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

@allythearts5439 9 ай бұрын

A collectors dream ✨

@phranerphamily 9 ай бұрын

Applause 👏👏👏 beautiful

@desert_holly 9 ай бұрын

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

@justknowitbyajmal1114 4 ай бұрын

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

@nancytestani1470 9 ай бұрын

Just amazing, gorgeous

@kharakessler1390 8 ай бұрын

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.

@rivkaclifford427 9 ай бұрын

Such talent!

@DadReid 9 ай бұрын

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.

@CountryandIrishFan 9 ай бұрын

Hello from Waterford, Ireland 😊

@rishikeshsahu7539 9 ай бұрын

Fine works always get more expensive.

@Amoghavarsha. 9 ай бұрын

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 9 ай бұрын

@@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.

@damonhoulston4845 9 ай бұрын

Love this I worked for royal brierley crystal

@Animalis_Mundana 9 ай бұрын

Got a nice Waterford beer mug! Have a Tiffany too.

@MichaelJohnson-mh7mp 4 ай бұрын

Thank you

@HostileTakeover555 5 ай бұрын

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.

@b.gopalakrishna870 9 ай бұрын

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

@graphiquejack 9 ай бұрын

I have the Maeve pattern and absolutely love it

@Ass_of_Amalek 9 ай бұрын

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

@ristube3319 4 ай бұрын

I’m watching this from Waterford!…Connecticut.

@RayMak 9 ай бұрын

So extremely beautiful

@truthoncall101 9 ай бұрын

Artwork 🔥

@Gwallacec2 9 ай бұрын

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

@manueldavid7369 8 ай бұрын

fantastic

@kasondaleigh 9 ай бұрын

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

@tbrowniscool 9 ай бұрын

I love that!

@fionnjordan5099 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

Symbol. I mean Symbol of luxury

@shekharmoona544 9 ай бұрын

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

@oviliatam7540 17 күн бұрын

謝謝~~🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

@DerekJeterrl 9 ай бұрын

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 9 ай бұрын

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

@DerekJeterrl 9 ай бұрын

@@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 KZfaq. The most expensive piece sold so far was a $100,000+ Mothership Glass X Sagan Glass collaboration.

@aldogrove2677 9 ай бұрын

The ending though 😅

@anastellabritto7758 2 ай бұрын

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

@skipfluck4299 9 ай бұрын

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

@juanolivares1300 9 ай бұрын

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

@APEIRON-FILMS 9 ай бұрын

well produced. Cudos Philip Kidd + Kate Horvath.

@garywhite2050 9 ай бұрын

They said, "Masterblower" !😂

@TojiFushigoroWasTaken 9 ай бұрын

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 9 ай бұрын

Started blowing crystal at 15😿

@mrsapplez2007 9 ай бұрын

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

@BotAnnan-jy5ve 9 ай бұрын

Not cool bruh...

@hariz0102 9 ай бұрын

Masterblower is very important ❤😂

@Tao_Tology 9 ай бұрын

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

@adamwolf2376 9 ай бұрын

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

@madeinhawaii 9 ай бұрын

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

@sun_chariot6141 9 ай бұрын

Artisans ❤

@thecaptain4829 9 ай бұрын

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

@hansolowe19 9 ай бұрын

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

@ElevatedThreat 3 ай бұрын

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.

@Hateweek1984 9 ай бұрын

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

@amira3650 8 ай бұрын

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

@patrickstarnes2355 9 ай бұрын

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

@purpledomo4448 9 ай бұрын

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

@TheZowen88 9 ай бұрын

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

@borisstanislav4560 9 ай бұрын

Very cool work but "Master Blower" is a funny job title to have tho. What do you do for a living? I'm a master blower😂

@ivanscottw 9 ай бұрын

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 !

@waynekile983 8 ай бұрын

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.

@Matteus2109 9 ай бұрын

God, Glass working is magic.

@farginargle 9 ай бұрын

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

@fuckcorporati0ns 9 ай бұрын

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 9 ай бұрын

@@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 9 ай бұрын

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

@Mar_Ten 9 ай бұрын

Glass mixed with lead? Glad they use a new formula.

@MorningThief_ 9 ай бұрын

0:03 when you have captions on. 😮

@biswanathpanda9646 9 ай бұрын

Please increase the vocal volume in all videoa so that I dont have to use earphone...thank you

@omarspost 9 ай бұрын

LOL Master Blower

@ScientificGlassblowing 9 ай бұрын

I am beginning to think I should have quit school when I was 15! 😀

@youknoweverything7643 Ай бұрын

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