Waterford crystal gives New York City's modern Times Square Ball its distinctive faceted panels.
Waterford Crystal, the Irish crystal manufacturer, began supplying designs for the Times Square Ball in 2000. The panels create the ball's familiar geometric sparkle when illuminated during the descent. The design has changed over time, with new motifs and crystal panels added for commemorative themes and anniversaries.
The current ball is far larger and more technologically advanced than the original 1907 ball. It is covered with thousands of crystal triangles and uses LED lighting capable of producing many colors and patterns. The ball remains on the roof of One Times Square throughout the year, rather than being installed only for the December 31 celebration. Its visual identity is now inseparable from the televised Times Square countdown.