John Coughlan – Master Wedge Cutter
John resides with his wife Mary in Tramore, which is a picturesque seaside village, seven miles from Waterford City. Tramore means “long beach” in the native Irish language. He was fifteen years young when he began his apprenticeship with Waterford Crystal. After serving a five-year apprenticeship and having excelled in his qualifying test pieces he became a qualified Master Cutter. To achieve this high level of craftsmanship, the Master Cutter must have the confidence and ability to plan and execute with precision and finesse the complete range of cut types that are used in intricate crystal designs.
John’s favorite part of working with crystal is taking inspiration from nature and seeing it come to fruition in the execution of a design. Most notably, he designed an exclusive line of crystal based on a palm tree motif for the Island of St. Thomas. This design proved to be one of the most popular and sought after lines in the Caribbean! He also has a keen interest in historical Irish crystal and many of his designs incorporate this aspect of his expertise.
John has traveled extensively, as a crystal promoter, throughout the US, Canada, Caribbean, UK, Europe and Ireland. He is delighted to be part of the Cashs experience; particularly as it is retaining the unique craft and style of Irish hand-cut crystal, which he believes is very important in today’s consumer choices.
Cashs Ireland is an exclusive Cashs Crystal retailer in the U.S.!
Cashs Crystal Tradition
Since 1976 Cashs of Ireland has been synonymous with fine crystal and gifts, all fashioned in traditional ways by skilled Irish craftsmen.
For generations, these Irish craftsmen have passed their knowledge of the ancient art of crystal making and
cutting from father to son. Cashs artisans have dedicated their lives to their craft, and their city of Waterford, Ireland. Cashs Crystal is hand cut, where possible, and polished to perfection according to centuries old
techniques.
Inspired by Nature
Talented designers draw inspiration from Ireland’s rich history and beautiful countryside. They translate the
rolling green foothills, walled remnants of ancient cities, and magnificent seaside into stunning art.
Cashs designers bring to life these textures and patterns of Ireland with unique and exquisite detail.
Both designer and craftsman pour their talents into each piece as a handmade testament to their artistry and respect for nature.
Making of Cashs Crystal
Watch an exiting two minute video featuring Cashs Crystal artisans cutting and polishing the crystal pieces. Each of the items is hand cut and polished to perfection:
