What kind of list would this be if I didn’t mention perhaps the most popular crystal pattern of all time – Lismore?!

Lismore is famous for its stunning diamond and wedge cuts that make light dance in the most beautiful way. First introduced in 1952, it has become a true classic. The pattern was inspired by the Lismore Castle, which majestically sits on a cliff above the River Backwater, near the Knockmealdown Mountains. With its rich history, the castle made the perfect muse for a pattern that has become the heart and soul of Waterford’s collections.

The Lismore pattern captures the elegant windows and turrets of the castle in its intricate cuts. It’s been a fan favorite for 60 years and has sparked countless variations over the years. Since I could easily write an entire post just on Lismore’s many faces, I’ve narrowed it down to my top 5 personal favorite variations:

Lismore Essence – maintains the original beauty while creating a more modern and slender profile.

Lismore Golden – the simple addition of a gold rim highlights the beauty of the original Lismore pattern.

Lismore Platinum – the same as Lismore Golden, but with a platinum rim instead; absolutely stunning

Lismore Pops – incorporates bold pops of color into the original Lismore pattern

Lismore Black - a dramatic and luxurious variation, using black crystal with the classic Lismore pattern cut into the surface. 

Part of a series of patterns named after Irish girls, Alana – which means “darling” in Gaelic – has a special place in the Waterford lineup. Although it’s officially been discontinued, Alana is still a beloved pattern (and lucky for you, we have some in the shop, so you can still snag a piece for yourself!).

The design features deep, narrow vertical cuts paired with wider, diamond-shaped patterns, creating a beautiful contrast that gives the glass a unique, eye-catching appeal.

Alana has also inspired a few stunning variations over the years:

Alana Essence – a simplified, modern version of the Alana pattern with fewer cuts and a streamlined silhouette

Alana Platinum – the classic Alana pattern with the addition of a platinum band around the rim of each piece, gorgeously elevating the design with such a simple inclusion

Alana Prestige – a more dramatic version of the Alana pattern with wider cuts and more weight, creating a bolder piece. This variation also comes in both green and lavender crystal

Alana Interiors – this line features the Alana pattern etched into a variety of home decor items

First introduced in 1985, the Araglin pattern is inspired by the breathtaking Araglin Valley in County Cork. The design blends crisscross cuts with vertical lines, forming a delicate lattice-like pattern that wraps around the glass. The vertical lines add a touch of height, making the pattern feel even more graceful and elegant.

Araglin is actually my personal favorite Waterford pattern, so I was pretty bummed when I found out it was discontinued. But don’t worry – thanks to its continued popularity, the Araglin pattern is still available in Waterford’s Heritage sets. These sets feature 6 glasses, each showcasing one of Waterford’s classic designs. If you're just after Araglin and don’t want to buy the whole set, no sweat! Check out what we have in stock here. It comes in just about every glass type you can think of (and if you're unsure which one’s right for you, take a peek at last week’s blog post!). This timeless design is an absolute showstopper and a must-have for any stemware or drinkware collection.

As with most beloved patterns, Araglin has a few variations, though fewer than some of the others. It’s available in Golden and Platinum versions, each featuring a stunning colored rim for that extra touch of elegance.

Like most popular patterns, Araglin also comes in variations, though fewer than some. Araglin is offered in Golden and Platinum variations which include a colored rim for a bit of added elegance.

Compared to the other patterns we've talked about, Powerscourt is a bit of a newcomer to the Waterford family – though sadly, it’s already been discontinued. Introduced in 2002, the design is inspired by the breathtaking Powerscourt Estate in Wicklow, Ireland, famous for its stunning gardens and remarkable architecture. To capture that beauty, the Powerscourt pattern incorporates the estate’s geometric architectural shapes, featuring deep, intricate cuts. This pattern is bold, stately, and so striking, I’d probably just stare at it all day if I had it in my home rather than actually using it!

Powerscourt is available in a wide range of glassware, so no matter what you’re looking to add to your collection, there’s a good chance you’ll find it in this pattern. I recommend going for wider glasses – think sherbet glasses or tumblers – to really showcase the full beauty of this incredible design.

The original Powerscourt pattern is so stunning on its own that variations seem almost unnecessary. However, Waterford did design a jaw-dropping Mastercraft version of Powerscourt, which is absolutely gorgeous (though, in my opinion, not the most practical). If you're deciding between options, I’d definitely recommend checking out the original Powerscourt drinkware collection over the current Powerscourt vases offered by Waterford.

So, which pattern is right for you? Honestly, the choice is all yours! You can’t go wrong with any of these stunning patterns and the amazing stories behind them. Don’t feel like you have to stick to just one design – why not take a cue from Waterford and create your own “Heritage Collection”? Mixing and matching these exquisite patterns will definitely elevate any dinner table in a uniquely stylish way.

If you’re feeling traditional, go ahead and pick your favorite design and grab a few matching glasses. Or, if you're not in the sharing mood, claim a wine glass in your go-to pattern and make it your exclusive, personal treasure.