As with just about everything we discuss in our “What’s It Worth?” column, the value of Waterford Crystal stemware are different depending on where you buy! Online and in-person retail for a new Waterford lead crystal Lismore wine glass is about $80‐$90 per stem.

There are thousands of pieces of crystal in the world. What makes Waterford so valuable to so many people is the quality, the patterns, the country of origin and the name. The key to valuing Waterford crystal is to identify the pattern. There is a huge disparity in pattern values.

Marquis looks like Waterford’s fine crystal, but it differs in that it is not lead crystal — it is crystalline, a quality, non-leaded glass. Today, the Marquis collection is front-and-center in most department stores, while traditional Waterford Crystal still remains a top seller, but displayed behind glass.

If you are not using the crystal then leave the sticker on. But it depends on your approach to the crystal and what pieces you have.

To identify Waterford crystal, hold the item up the light and use a magnifying glass to locate an acid stamp that says “Waterford.” Alternatively, if the item was made after 2000, look for an acid stamp in the shape of a seahorse. You can also look for a gold sticker featuring Waterford’s green seahorse emblem.

Following fashion, Waterford Crystal has now become its victim, writes Deirdre McQuillan. At a time when the current vogue is for glamour and decoration, an old glass manufacturer, Swarovski, has made crystal the coolest and most desirable embellishment for clothes and accessories.

Here are some of the most popular crystal makers:

• Baccarat. If time were the litmus test of excellence in crafting crystals, Baccarat would simply be at the top.
• Daum.
• Lalique.
• Steuben.
• Tiffany.
• Waterford.
• Swarovski.

The House of Waterford Crystal is located in Waterford, Ireland, a Viking city built in 914 AD. This esteemed factory is the beating heart of the world’s luxury crystal manufacture and is where our most intricate, authentic and masterful crystal pieces come to life.