Waterford crystal ranges from the whimsical to the sublime, and everywhere in between. You can find Waterford reproductions of baseball equipment, Waterford figurines, and priceless Waterford stemware. Collecting Waterford crystal can be a rewarding experience for anyone, regardless of budget or lifestyle. Waterford creates special items that would intrigue sports fans, like a crystal NY Yankees World Series home plate. They also create gorgeous decorative items, like vases and lamps. When displayed in a lighted case, or simply on a shelf or table, Waterford crystal catches the light beautifully and makes an instant conversation starter.

Where to Begin?

If you are considering beginning a collection of Waterford crystal, your first step is to narrow down your area of expertise. The Waterford options are so diverse that you could spend your entire life - and your entire life savings - trying to collect every piece. It's a good idea to begin with smaller pieces that you really like. Look for items that are not overly expensive and catch your eye. After you've bought a few pieces you'll feel more comfortable with the process and have a better understanding of how Waterford crystal collecting works.

Purchasing Strategies

Collecting Waterford crystal has become very popular in recent years. With the advent of online technology, it has never been easier to find specific pieces at good prices. Spend some time on internet forums researching the online market before you begin to make purchases so that you can make informed buying choices. There are several reputable crystal dealers with online stores. When you purchase from a crystal store directly, you can feel confident that the crystal is of good quality and has been well cared for.

Caring for Your Waterford Crystal

Waterford crystal is delicate, and should be washed carefully. Don't wash your crystal in a dish washing machine, it could break and the dish washing detergent is abrasive. Use warm water and a mild lemon dish soap to wash your Waterford by hand. Rinse your crystal with water mixed with vinegar to remove any lime deposits. If you have stains inside a vase or jar, fill the vessel with water and a bubbling denture cleaner to remove the stain. Use lint-free cloth to polish your crystal so that there are no lint fibers left behind in the small crevices of your piece.