This month, we’re especially thrilled to announce Replacements, Ltd.’s 7th annual Waterford Artisan Signing event! One of Waterford Crystal's finest crystal artisans, Vincent Rellis, will be on hand for our annual Waterford Crystal signing event, to be held in our retail store on Saturday, May 1st, 2010 from 11:00am - 3:00pm, ET. This unique and fun event will offer our customers an opportunity to purchase Waterford classic stemware, giftware, and collectible pieces which can be personally signed by Vincent Rellis. Mr. Rellis' time is obviously precious, and he makes limited trips to America, so we are quite excited to have him join us at Replacements!

Mr. Rellis began his career with Waterford Crystal as an apprentice, similar to how five of his family members started with Waterford. In fact, Mr. Rellis’ father was employed by Waterford in 1947. He was the 11th person recruited to work at Waterford’s Ballytruckle facilities. Mr. Rellis' father helped build one of the first production furnaces for Waterford and went on to become “Senior Furnace Man.” He later helped train Waterford’s Master Blowers and Cutters. At the age of 15, Mr. Rellis decided he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father and applied for an apprenticeship with Waterford. After an intense apprenticeship, which included specialized training in the practice of Rheintour crystal cutting, Mr. Rellis became an “Ambassador of Waterford.” He now travels the world, “enlightening customers about the joys of possessing Waterford Crystal.”

Our annual signing event is a perfect opportunity to purchase a bridal gift, Mother's Day gift, baby gift, a unique piece to commemorate a special occasion, or pieces for your own Waterford pattern or collection (certain exclusions apply, see below).  Mr. Rellis will be happy to sign, with a precision crystal etching tool, his name and the current year (or a specified date) at your request.  As part of this special event, we are able to offer two exclusive 2010 crystal event pieces for purchase (and signing): a 7-inch Waterford “Artisan” cut crystal Grainne vase and a 9-inch “Artisan” cut crystal Grainne vase. The price for the 7-inch vase is $125 and the price for the 9-inch vase is $175. These pieces are only available for purchase from 2010 Waterford Signing Event retailers. You can also pre-order this "Artisan" piece prior to the event. If you are unable to attend our signing event in person, at your request we will hold your order until May 1st and make arrangements for Mr. Rellis to sign your special purchase. We'll then ship your signed purchase to the address you specify.

A list of all Waterford collectible and crystal patterns eligible for pre-purchase and signing can be accessed at the links below. (One important note: Waterford "Marquis" patterns are excluded from signing during this special event.) If you would like to preorder pieces to be signed during this event, please call us toll-free at 1-800-REPLACE (1-800-737-5223) 9:00 am – 10:00 pm ET, 7 days. Tell our representative that you are interested in Waterford Signing Event information and pieces. (We request that all orders be placed by 10pm, April 30. This ensures we have enough time to process your request.)   

If you prefer to pre-order the special signing piece online, and would also like to have it signed by Mr. Rellis, please type a note in the “Special Instructions” section at the bottom of our online order form, indicating that you’d like the piece to be held by us until signing, and indicating your preference of signed message, per the event signing guidelines listed above.  Given the unique nature of this event, and the fact that quantities are limited and are subject to prior sale, call us today to order the pieces you'd like while they are available!

Be sure to make some time on your calendar to attend this special Waterford signing event on Saturday, May 1. You’ll have the opportunity to chat with an absolute master of his craft, and have him sign a beautiful piece of Waterford crystal.