America, or the United States thereof, was still attempting to define itself when the Waterford story, began in 1783. In that year, two brothers, George and William Penrose, founded their crystal manufacturing business in the busy port of Waterford, in the county of the same name. The city’s principal exporters, the developement of their enterprise, they told the Irish Parliament, cost £10,000 Irish, the 18th century equivalent of $41,000 USD, a great deal of money indeed (1,004,500 in 2006 dollars).

Employing 50 to 70 people, led by a fellow Quaker, John Hill, from Stourbridge in England, they succeeded in producing crystal with a purity of colour unmatched anywhere else in Ireland or England. Merchant ships sailed regularly from the port of Waterford, with cargoes of crystal bound for Spain, the West Indies, New York, New England and Newfoundland. In what appears an astoundingly short time, Waterford Crystal acquired an unequalled reputation that has transcended the intervening centuries. Notwithstanding, due to excessive taxation, and a resulting lack of capital, the once dominant company failed less than 100 years later.

Another century would pass before the enterprise was revived. In 1947, while Europe was still in ruins after the Second World War, a small glass factory was set up in Waterford just 11/2 miles from the site of the original glass factory. Waterford Crystal today has very strong links with its illustrious predecessor. There is the same dedication to the purity of color, the myth-inspiring design, and the highest, centuries-old quality levels, never yet bested. Traditional cutting patterns, made famous by the original Waterford artisans, became the design basis for a growing product range in the new company.

Products which have extended the power of the Waterford brand, far beyond its core crystal masterpieces include Waterford China, Waterford Table & Bed Linens, Waterford Stainless Flatware and Silver Gifts, Waterford Writing Instruments, Waterford Holiday Heirlooms and Waterford Crystal Jewellery. While Waterford is today, the leading brand of premium crystal, its complete array of products, superbly handcrafted, are all manufactured to the highest attainable standards.

The brand's reputation among its target clientele—gentlemen and ladies of refinement—in its major market regions, is such that Waterford essentially has no competition. Patrons regard Waterford Crystal as simply the best, for one’s self, and gifts for others highly esteemed. This year, Waterford celebrates the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Lismore pattern of crystal, an appellation also given one of its most prestigious pen collections. Other fine pieces bear names from Waterford County, and elsewhere in Ireland, such as Kilbarry and Pallas, the latter of which rests between Waterford itself and Limerick.

Waterford Crystal has become almost a synonym for the finest quality crystal sought after by collectors and connoisseurs around the world. Each piece of Waterford can be recognised by the signature on the base with the word "Waterford", the name of the finest crystal in the world. All else produced by Waterford shares the same legacy of quality and elegance.