Waterford Crystal has made New York's Times Square New Year's Eve ball panels since 2000.
The partnership began for the millennium celebration at the end of 1999, when a new ball covered with Waterford crystal panels was introduced for the arrival of 2000. Waterford is an Irish crystal manufacturer based in Waterford, Ireland, and its name became closely linked with the ball's annual redesigns.
The ball's panels are arranged in changing patterns associated with themes such as hope, love, and unity. The design is updated periodically, and the illuminated surface has expanded as the ball has grown. Modern versions use energy-efficient lighting and computer-controlled displays rather than the simple bulbs of the earliest ball.
Swarovski is another major crystal brand and is sometimes confused with Waterford because both are associated with decorative crystal. Swarovski supplied crystal for other prominent objects and celebrations, but the Times Square ball's long-running named partnership is with Waterford Crystal.