User:Emerald Irish Crystal/sandbox

Emerald Handmade Irish Crystal was established in 2010 by a group of qualified craftsmen. The group set up their initial workshop in Dunhill Eco park in Waterford, Ireland and within the first few months they were contacted by an American distributor to launch an international brand of Irish handmade crystal. To facilitate this production increase the workshop moved to the IDA Industrial Estate Waterford, in 2011. The company was founded with the help of the EGF fund and City and County Enterprise Boards. Together with the Emerald collections, the group also created an assortment of traditional and contemporary designed crystal for several leading international brands. They have collaborated on commissioned pieces for sports personalities from Roger Federer to Rory McLLroy and celebrities including Colm Farrell and Conan O Brien. In 2012 Emerald Crystal presented their collections at the Showcase Ireland exposition in the RDS Dublin. The collections were subsequently stocked by several European and U.S retailers.

One of the founders, Master Craftsman Walter Walsh, has a long history of working with crystal after having served his apprenticeship with Waterford Crystal. Walter spent many years as a Waterford Crystal ambassador, promoting Waterford Crystal in Macy's, Bloomingdales, Niemen Marcus and other leading stores. Relying on his expertise, several leading international crystal brands consult with Walter on design innovation and product development. His ultimate aim is to be in a position where he can offer apprenticeships to the upcoming generation and keep the craft alive. To celebrate his 50 years, Emerald will launch a range of pieces designed and crafted by Walter Walsh.

In 2014 Emerald was chosen by the Taoiseach's office to design the bowl which contained the shamrocks presented to American President Barack Obama at the White House, on Saint Patrick's Day.

Walter Walsh also said "This was a difficult piece to cut because it required the striking of a delicate balance between the deep cuts of the main pattern and the light intaglio cutting of the shamrocks" Walter added his own embellishments to the piece A replica is currently on display in the Emerald Crystal showroom in Waterford.

The company also sponsors many events and this year Emerald crystal was presented to winners at the National Athletics Awards and Irish Tatler Woman of the Year Awards.Emerald employs up to eleven people during peak times, the majority of these are former Waterford Crystal Employees. These include designers, engravers, sculptors and master cutters. These artisans' lifelong experience and expertise in creating fine crystal by hand, have been combined at the Emerald facility in Waterford City.