Design and Specifications of the 2018 Waterford Times Square Ball Ornament
The 2018 Waterford Times Square ball ornament replicates the iconic New Year's Eve crystal ball with a diameter of approximately 4.5 inches and a polished chrome finish. The ornament features the Waterford crystal lattice pattern and is officially licensed by the Times Square Alliance, with production handled by Waterford Crystal under the brand name Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton Forbes.
Each ornament includes a numbered certificate of authenticity and is presented in a branded Waterford gift box. The 2018 edition is part of a limited annual release series that began in the early 2000s, with designs often reflecting the year's specific Times Square ball theme and lighting technology updates Times Square Alliance.
Materials, Manufacturing Process, and Quality Standards
The ornament is crafted from lead crystal using Waterford's traditional cutting and polishing methods, with the crystal body hand-cut in Ireland and assembled with a metal suspension cap and hook. The chrome plating on the base and cap is sourced from regulated suppliers, and the final product undergoes the same quality inspection protocols used for Waterford's high-end stemware and giftware lines Waterford.
Production runs for the Times Square ornament series are typically small-batch, with exact figures not publicly disclosed by the company. The 2018 model is distinguished from other years by specific packaging details and the inclusion of the year-specific graphic elements tied to the 2018 Times Square ball design.
Market Value, Availability, and Collectibility
As of the latest public resale data, the 2018 Waterford Times Square ball ornament trades in the secondary market at prices ranging from approximately 80 to 150 USD, depending on condition, box completeness, and seller platform. The ornament is sold through Waterford's official retail channels, authorized gift retailers, and third-party marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay SEC.
Collectors value the 2018 edition as part of a complete annual set, with older editions from the 2000s often commanding higher premiums due to scarcity. The ornament is not classified as a financial security or investment product, and no public filings or disclosures from Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton or its parent companies provide specific sales volume or revenue breakdowns for the ornament line.