IRISH CRYSTAL CO.

At the Irish Crystal Co. in Irvine, it’s possible to purchase the crystal stemware and accessories of your dreams without incurring a budget nightmare.

The shop sells crystal made by Tyrone, a firm established in 1771 in a small village near Dungannon, Ireland. It also handles Galway crystal, headquartered in Galway, Ireland. Neither firm is as well known in the United States as Waterford, another Irish company. But pieces from both are all mouth-blown and hand-etched.

“Since American consumers prefer both classic and contemporary styling, we have added the German-made Villeroy and Boch crystal to our line,” said Judith Draper, who owns the store, along with her husband, Lionel. “Its sleek design complements the classic styling of the Irish crystal,” she said.

There are 12 patterns in the Tyrone line, all named after places in Ireland. Each pattern includes stemware, tumblers, decanters and accessory pieces. Stemware is priced at $34 to $39 each for all patterns, with an additional discount given for purchase of four or more items.

Prices at the Irish Crystal Co. generally run 20% to 50% less than at department stores, making it possible to own the larger or rarer pieces for significantly less. It’s also a good place to find a special gift or award.

Organizers of a local golf tournament recently purchased more than 200 bowls, vases, clocks and lamps to serve as trophies. “They ordered them engraved by our master engraver Seamus Comac, who was trained in Ireland,” said Lionel Draper. “Engraved crystal makes a nice gift. It’s not the kind of thing people go out and buy for themselves, and each time they use it, they’ll have a quality keepsake to remember the anniversary, birthday or special event.”

A popular engagement, anniversary or bridal shower gift is two crystal champagne flutes with the Claddagh Ring circling the tops. The symbol, two hands clasped around a crowned heart, is an ancient Irish talisman of love, friendship and fidelity.