What material is used for the illuminated panels of the modern Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball?

Waterford crystal is used for the illuminated panels of the modern Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball.

Waterford Crystal began supplying crystal panels for the Times Square Ball in 2000, when the new millennium was celebrated. The partnership continued as the ball was redesigned and expanded. The crystal facets refract and scatter the light from the ball’s internal LED system, producing its distinctive sparkle.

The ball’s exterior has changed over time. The first 1907 ball was a relatively simple iron-and-wood structure with electric bulbs, while later versions used different materials and designs. Today’s ball is much larger and is covered with thousands of Waterford crystal panels in geometric patterns.

“Crystal” in this context refers to a highly clear, decorative glass associated with the Waterford brand; it does not mean natural quartz crystal. The ball’s lighting system and panel count have also been updated in different redesigns, so descriptions from different years may not match exactly.