WWTBAM Bored

British China and crystal maker Waterford Wedgwood PLC has filed for bankruptcy. The company made fine and collectible items under the Waterford, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton brand names. As I understand British bankruptcy law, the company will continue for now under the management of receivers who will try to find a buyer. If one cannot be found, the company could be broken up and the assets sold off separately. The company was founded by Josiah Wedgwood in 1759.

Another victim of the global economic downturn.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/art ... QD95H53GG2

While Wedgwood dates back in an uninterrupted fashion, the corporate structure which has collapsed now is centrally that of Waterford, where commercial crystal making was restarted by Czech immigrant Havel, after WWII.

It would not surprise me to hear that the portion of the balance sheet which did the company in had to do with financial and/or real estate issues in Ireland. The Celtic Tiger's bubble collapse ain't quite at potato levels yet, but it 's trying.

Does this mean there are good buys on Waterford crystal out there somewhere?
If so, I'll go shopping. I haven't been able to afford Waterford crystal ever....mine is Gorham.

This was posted right when Leah was coming in the door from work, and I mentioned it to her. Her reaction was, "Whoa -- we sell that stuff! We're going to get so much of it now!"

She works at a Tuesday Morning store. They probably will get a lot of Waterford & Wedgwood!

I got my granddaughter Destinee a really cool big crystal (but not Waterford) turtle for Christmas -- she's 11 & into turtles now like Karen was at that age. Suitable for a candy dish or a jewelry box. It was originally over $100 -- I got it for 7 bucks! It's good to be related to management Now I wish I'd taken a pic of it -- maybe I'll get Megan to send one. Leah has a really pretty little Wedgwood jewelry box too.

Do you have Tuesday Morning where you live? I believe they're based in Texas. If not, Leah can keep an eye out for some for you.

kayrharris wrote:Does this mean there are good buys on Waterford crystal out there somewhere?
If so, I'll go shopping. I haven't been able to afford Waterford crystal ever....mine is Gorham.

We were given an incredible wedding gift almost 20 years ago.

A Waterford Apprentice Bowl.

It is breathtaking.

The giver chose it for us because he is Irish, I am a material Scientist and he thought I would appreciate the glass and Husband1111 was trained as a machinist and would appreciate the workmanship.

He was right on all counts.

I called my mom from Bed, Bath & Beyond last summer to tell her that civilization as we knew it was coming to an end . . . BB&B was carrying Waterford and Wedgewood.

There were several items discounted when I was in last week.

VAdame wrote:

Does this mean there are good buys on Waterford crystal out there somewhere?
If so, I'll go shopping. I haven't been able to afford Waterford crystal ever....mine is Gorham.

This was posted right when Leah was coming in the door from work, and I mentioned it to her. Her reaction was, "Whoa -- we sell that stuff! We're going to get so much of it now!"

She works at a Tuesday Morning store. They probably will get a lot of Waterford & Wedgwood!

I got my granddaughter Destinee a really cool big crystal (but not Waterford) turtle for Christmas -- she's 11 & into turtles now like Karen was at that age. Suitable for a candy dish or a jewelry box. It was originally over $100 -- I got it for 7 bucks! It's good to be related to management Now I wish I'd taken a pic of it -- maybe I'll get Megan to send one. Leah has a really pretty little Wedgwood jewelry box too.

Do you have Tuesday Morning where you live? I believe they're based in Texas. If not, Leah can keep an eye out for some for you.

I don't think we have a Tuesday Morning here. I do collect little boxes, so do keep an eye out for me. I have a Waterford
ring holder, but I think that's the only piece of Waterford I have.

I don't think they were a victim of today's economy as much as of today's style. The market for new sets has been pretty much limited to the upper class or those who aspire to be.

I found NeeNee's crystal turtle! I was right, not Waterford. Godinger.

http://www.amazon.com/CRYSTAL-TURTLE-BO ... 866&sr=8-1

$100 mfr. suggested retail. Tuesday Morning closeout price $24.99. 1/2 price due to very slight damage -- a tiny chipped spot that Leah managed to smooth out with a sander & a bit of clear nail polish = $12.50. Take off the usual 20% employee discount, doubled to 40% during the Holidays = $7.50!



They did inventory today -- she says they have lots of Waterford & Wedgwood. And will probably be getting more in light of yesterday's news.

Will do! They have tons of little boxes (and big boxes, and all sizes in between.) And she has lots of bubble wrap for damage prevention.