The Waterford Crystal Time Square Ball

If you have children, and/or are familiar with the popular toy Magna-Tiles, then imagine making an enormous three dimensional 12 feet in diameter ball out of them. Not only would that be a feat in itself, but before doing that part, imagine first hand making and carving designs in the 2,688 pieces required to make the ball, then bolting 672 LED modules which are attached to the aluminum frame of the Ball. The Waterford Time Square Crystal Ball is capable of creating a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colors and billions of patterns producing a spectacular kaleidoscope effect.

Rather you are viewing the Ball from your sofa at home, or in Time Square from the ground viewpoint, it is undoubtedly a glorious site. The dropping of the Ball is a longstanding tradition that was started in 1907, and the passing of each year is synonymous with simple viewing of it paired with the chanting of, “10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Happy New Year!”

Our Bering’s Gift Shop Buyer, Lesley Sullivan, started selling Waterford stemware at Bering’s about 25 years ago. The beautiful crystal continues to be a staple with Bering’s wedding registries, as well as a continued customer favorite for countless gifting needs. Thanks to Lesley’s vision and eye for knowing what our customers prefer, Bering’s was recently invited by Waterford Master Craft Artisan, Tom Brennan, to attend the Waterford Pre-New Year’s Eve Time Square Ball.

You might recognize Tom Brennan’s name from the Virtual Waterford Crystal Signing Event recently held at both of our Bering’s locations. The New York Times also published an article dubbing him as ‘The Man Behind the Waterford Time Square Ball.’ Yes, Tom is in charge of the most famous crystal ball in the world. Can you imagine the anticipation as the person in charge, knowing 1.2 billion people will be watching it across the world?! Needless to say, our jaws dropped upon receiving the once in a lifetime invitation to attend the Waterford Ball where we would be able to actually touch it, up close and personal.

If you are as smitten with the artistry and grandeur of the Ball as we are then you won’t want to miss watching a short video noting how the Ball is made: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zisu7HyFfZ0&feature=youtu.be

The child in each of us envisioned the building of the Magna-Tiles Ball while holding the Waterford Crystal triangular piece in our hands, but fell short of knowing where to even begin. Hopefully this post gives you a little more insight and appreciation as you watch the Ball drop this year, ushering in what is sure to be an amazing 2019!

Happy New Year!

Bering’s