Cut Crystal

Cut crystal glass features the powerful combination of brilliance and craftsmanship. With a heritage steeped in the glassmaking traditions of the British Isles, the home of some of the most prominent European producers, cut crystal glass echoes a rich tradition of hand craftsmanship alongside a heritage of fantastic design.

The art of cutting crystal requires immense talent and precision. Several companies of note rose to the challenge to create both striking and innovative cut crystal pieces. For example, Thomas Webb & Sons out of Stourbridge, England produced cameo glass in the late 19th century. This opaque glass, which was etched to yield a cameo-like appearance, was so innovative that it won the company awards as well as a patent for production in the United States.

The traditions established in the 19th century carry on among companies today. Tyrone Crystal, established in 1971 in Dungannon, Ireland, continues to use the cutting conventions instilled centuries before, a testament to their ongoing dedication to quality and craftsmanship. Whether it’s a vintage Tyrone crystal decanter or an antique Thomas Webb & Sons vase, an authentic cut crystal vessel is an exciting piece for avid glass collectors.

Quick Facts

• So acclaimed were the designs of Thomas Webb & Sons that they earned the moniker the "Crystal King of England"
• A Tyrone crystal chandelier has been featured prominently in the lobby of the Merchant Hotel in Belfast, Ireland, since 2006. Incorporating 2,600 hand-blown crystal pieces, the chandelier weighs more than 880 pounds and is considered by most sources to be the largest chandelier in Ireland
• Webb's cameo glass was so impressive that it won the company the Grand Prix at the Parisian Exposition Universelle in 1889