Waterford Ring Holder

This does not make me an expert, but I have been collecting Waterford made in Ireland for 20 years. This is the first piece, and last, of "Waterford" crystal I have purchased since the factory in Ireland closed a few years ago. I knew that this ring holder was not going to be made in Ireland but elsewhere, in this case, Slovenia. As it happens, I already had this exact ring holder in Irish Waterford and can now compare it to the one I recently purchased.In comparing the pattern and size, they are mostly the same. The Slovenia holder is rectangular, about 3 inches long by 2 and ½ inches wide, the ring tip being 2 and ½ inches high. The corners and are rounded in curves; at the center where the holder is, there is a starburst. The Irish holder's measurements are virtually identical. However, in the Irish holder, the starburst is larger. More importantly are these two critical factors:1. The Slovenia holder is pressed cut, mostly resembling mass produced glass, while the Irish holder is hand cut.2. There is no comparison between the ordinary, somewhat glassy/cloudy look of the Slovenia holder versus the absolute crystal sparkle present in the Irish holder. The Irish holder is ever so slightly heavier than the Slovenia holder, due to the former's heavier lead content.Two points to be made are these:1. The Irish Waterford is definitely distinguishable from current Waterford. Ebay would carry Irish Waterford, which will probably be used versus new, should carry a made in Ireland green and gold sticker for authentication, and a buyer should specifically ask the seller whether the item is Irish Waterford.2. I personally would not pay Irish Waterford prices for current Waterford. Quite simply, there is no reason to pay for quality that is not present.

This ring holder is a surprise gift for my daughter as a Bridal Shower gift. It came packaged in the Waterford box and has the little green sticker as shown in the picture. Great service, packaging and price. I know she will love it !!

I purchased this for my granddaughter. She thought it was absolutely beautiful!

Tiny, but beautiful. It will be part of a collection of smaller Waterford crystal pieces set on a Waterford crystal tray as a wedding gift. I hope the bride will be as thrilled to receive it as I am to give it.

This was an engagement gift for my daughter- she loves it!

A little smaller then I expected but I forgot to look at the specs (my fault but wouldn't have stop me from purchasing). Beautiful. I'm happy with it.

The name Waterford has always meant taste and class. Is there a better gift for a newlywed?

perfect