Waterford Crystal. Wow that brings back memories. For years as a boy/teenager I would buy my mother for both Xmas and her birthday a single wine glass or water glass for $50/ea. It took me a long time to complete the whole set, but that's all she ever wanted. She use to get so pissed when my grandmother use to come over for the holidays and insist to help her with the dishes and would sometimes crack one of her Waterfords.
Yes, Waterford Crystal has always been popular, especially when there wasn't such a great variety of glassware on the market like we have today. Personally I'm a happy owner of bohemia crystal (I have a tea set and champagne glasses). It has to be noted, Waterford Crystal will become vintage soon and its price will increase.