Waterford

Waterford’s "Hope for Peace" limited edition, centerpiece majestically inscribes the underlying fiber of the company, “Our classic designs transcend time.” The centerpiece finalizes the collection which began in 2000, when Waterford was invited to design and create the Times Square New Year's Eve Millennium Ball. This year, 72 new "Hope for Peace" crystal panels will be added to the ball. The "Hope for Peace" crystal pattern is characterized by a dove-like symbolic angel with arms arched in a gesture of prayer.

Our rich roots date to the company of Waterford, first established in 1783 on land adjacent to Merchants' Quay in the heart of the Irish harbor town of Waterford. Two brothers, William and George Penrose, who were important developers and principal exporters in the city, were the founders. Their vision was to "create the finest quality crystal for drinking vessels and objects of beauty for the home." More than two hundred years later, the reputation they established for creating glass of unsurpassed beauty and quality has transcended the intervening centuries.

Today, Waterford's principal manufacturing plant stands on a 40-acre site on the outskirts of the city made famous by its glittering product. The principal plant joins two other manufacturing sites in County Waterford. With a combined history of over 600 years of heritage, tradition and craftsmanship, today Waterford Wedgwood, plc is among the world's leading luxury lifestyle group with world class brands that include Waterford Crystal, Wedgwood, W C Designs, Rosenthal and All-Clad.

Waterford Wedgwood plc was established in 1986 with the merger of Waterford Crystal and Wedgwood. In February 1998, the Company acquired an 85 percent share in Rosenthal AG, Selb, Germany, which has since increased, in 2001, to 89.9%. In May 1999, All-Clad, Cannonsberg, Pennsylvania, joined the Waterford Wedgwood Group, as did W-C Designs of Anaheim, California, in 2001.

The product portfolios of the Group's prestige brands complement each other perfectly. Co-operations with other luxury brands, with fashion designers such as Versace, Bulgari, John Rocha, Jasper Conran and Paul Costelloe, and with top international chefs have helped the Group acquire distinctiveness. These distinguished members uniquely positioned the Group to meet the demands of today's consumers and to expand in the luxury market.

Around the world, Waterford Wedgwood, plc, which is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is represented in more than 80 countries, has a work force of approximately 9,000 employees, and offers its customers one of the world's most extensive product ranges in the marketplace.