Crystal Stemware

Crystal stemware or glass drinkware made from crystal, unlike pottery and ceramics, continues to increase in popularity. Everybody is familiar with the names of Dartington, Tipperary and Waterford Crystal design and manufacturing brands but what do we know about these companies situated in Great Britain and Ireland (Eire)?

Crystal Stemware

Dartington Crystal, a company famed for glass manufacturing using special blowing techniques from Sweden, is situated in the beautiful English county of Devon. There is only one crystal factory remaining in Great Britain and Dartington Crystal is it. Look out for the popular Scandinavian designs from the 70’s such as Dimple, Exmoor and Sharon for these are the models with their contemporary feel that sets Dartington Crystal out from the crowd. It is this modern edge that enables the company to attract a significant demand from a competitive market and go from success to success.

For hand made crystal genuinely made in England the collector will get great value from sourcing glassware here.

Celebrating its forty-third birthday in 2010, long may the last British crystal stemware enterprise reign! If you find yourself in the north Devonshire town of Torrington, why not visit the company for a demonstration on glass blowing. A popular tourist attraction in Devon, Dartington Crystal attracts a quarter of a million visitors a year to its Visitor’s Centre, Glass shop and Restaurant.

Across the Irish Channel the brilliant crystal ware companies of Tipperary and Waterford are situated although both have different stories to tell in terms of their successes.

Tipperary Crystal (founded in 1988) proved extremely successful in their design of glassware, jewellery, textiles and crystal. In 2008, confirming their incredible achievements in crystal and glassware, the company sold around 1,500 chandeliers. If you are looking for crystal ware with a contemporary feel, Tipperary Crystal would be a great place to check out. Inviting numerous new designers ever year you can be sure of purchasing something unique, new and exciting.

Many have heard of the delightful Waterford Crystal company. Many are familiar with the stunning ranges that have come from the company based in Ireland’s oldest and most enigmatic city named Alana, Kincora, Maeve and Adare.

Once upon a time however Waterford (the city) was famed for its glass production but sadly although the company still goes from strength to strength, the actual glass production side of operations has been re-routed to overseas locations. Superb crystal stemware continues to be the order of the day at Waterford. The next time you visit Windsor Castle, check out the Waterford Crystal chandeliers!