What material covers the modern Times Square New Year's Eve ball?

Waterford Crystal covers the modern Times Square New Year's Eve ball.

Waterford Crystal began contributing designs to the Times Square Ball in 2000. The panels are cut into geometric patterns and arranged across the illuminated sphere, creating the distinctive sparkle seen during the televised countdown. The ball is lit internally with LEDs rather than ordinary bulbs.

The sphere has changed substantially since the first ball appeared in 1907. Earlier versions used materials such as iron, wood, and incandescent lamps, while later balls became larger and more technologically advanced. The current ball is displayed above One Times Square throughout the year, not only on New Year's Eve.

Waterford Crystal is an Irish crystal manufacturer based in Waterford, Ireland. Its involvement is sometimes confused with Swarovski, another major crystal company, but Swarovski is not the crystal maker associated with the Times Square Ball. The design is updated periodically with new crystal patterns and lighting effects.