Inspired by Ireland’s centuries-old tradition of handwoven wickerwork, the Opulence Collection reimagines Waterford’s Irish heritage through intricate craftsmanship.
An updated take on an archival pattern, Opulence was first designed by Waterford’s Head Designer John Connolly to mark his 50th anniversary. Today's version weaves past and present into a new expression of contemporary drinkware and decor.
Each piece of the collection reflects the textured beauty of Irish basketry and the artistry of expertly cut crystal. With deep, interlaced cuts that catch and reflect light, Opulence blends the practice of Irish basketry and modern precision in a way that feels both familiar and striking.
Ireland’s basket weaving tradition runs deep. Shaped by daily life and by the land, long before it was called a craft, weaving was simply how things were made.
For centuries, craftspeople shaped willow and rush into baskets used for carrying turf, collecting shellfish, and storing food, each one made by hand, each region with its own distinct style. It was a practical craft, but also a cultural one: purposeful and deeply personal.
When designing Opulence, that legacy inspired John Connolly with a simple memory: the intricate back of his grandmother’s cane chair. That detail sparked an enduring love for Irish workmanship and led to this pattern, distilling the texture and structure of weaving itself.
Opulence doesn't seek to replicate wicker but instead reinterprets its essence. The cut is grounded, yet complex. It speaks as a whole from afar, but up close it lives in the details. The pattern echoes the rhythm of woven willow by capturing the movement of light across hand-shaped forms.
In crystal, it takes on a new dimension that’s refined, luminous, and built to last.
Featuring a series of interlacing cuts, Opulence captures the eye with tight geometric angles and deliberate spacing. The crisscrossing cuts result in a layered depth with a jewel-like finish that feels structured, not rigid. There’s motion in it, emphasized by the way light and shadow shift through a glass in hand or a vase on your table.
What makes the cut work is its balance. The lines are sharp and deep to create visual weight, yet fine enough to reflect with precision. Detail speaks first, then the shape follows. At first glance, Opulence feels architectural. But as the gaze lingers, it’s intricate. That duality is what gives Opulence such presence.
This is crystal built to hold the eye. A pattern that feels both structured and fluid on a table, shelf, or in use. Each cut brings light to the surface and makes negative space a central part of the design.
Opulence is crystal meant to be seen and used, each piece crafted from lead-free crystal and finished with Waterford’s signature precision. There’s weight in the handfeel, brilliance in the cut, and a sense of clarity that speaks for itself.
This collection fits naturally into homes with character, into tables set with intention, and into celebrations worth remembering. Whether you’re gifting, collecting, or curating a space, Opulence brings light and artistry to the room.
A reflection both where we’ve been and where we’re going, this collection honors the craft traditions that shape Irish life, while reimagining them through a fresh design lens. Crafted with purpose, Opulence is made for living beautifully.
Canada
United States
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Ireland
Italy
Netherlands
Poland
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom