Are Heritage Irish Crystal products handmade?

Many Heritage Irish Crystal items involve a significant amount of handwork, particularly in the cutting and finishing stages. While the initial glass shaping may use moulds, the decorative patterns are often carved by skilled artisans using rotating cutting wheels. Each piece goes through several stages, including shaping, cooling, cutting, polishing, and inspection. The cutting process alone can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the design. Hand finishing means slight variations may appear between pieces, which some collectors see as a mark of authenticity. This differs from mass-produced glassware, where items are nearly identical. Irish crystal cutting has been passed down through generations, with techniques dating back to the 18th century. Heritage Irish Crystal continues to rely on these traditional methods, even as modern tools are used to support consistency.