Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal Ring / new- 1.7 g - (1)

Ethiopian opal ring / polished / new

Set in 925 sterling silver.

Weight: 1.70 g / 8.5 ct

10.5 mm x 8.8 mm

Brand new and unworn

Ring size

U 54
UK N
US 6,8
Fri 14
Inner diameter: 17.2 mm

Opals from Australia have long been known. In recent years, however, a new variety from Ethiopia has started to steal a little the spotlight: the Welo opal! This stone is translucent and impresses with its characteristic, unique light reflections. It was discovered in the Semien Wollo mountain region in the northeast of Ethiopia. The exact time of the find is not known. Some sources date the introduction of the Welo opal to the Nairobi market to the year 1993. The discoverer is regarded as the chemist Tilahun Yohannes, and as early as 1994 the geologist Dr. N. Barot reported in an article in the “ICA Gazette” about this jewel rarity. Mining began slowly; in 1997 only 10 kilograms were mined. The gemstone cutting company Eyaopal from Addis Ababa cut 400 grams from it. In the same year the Welo opal was presented at the international mineral fair in Sainte-Marie, and a year later Eyaopal exhibited 350 cut opals at the trade fair in Tucson. Commercial mining began in 2008. A new star among opals was born."


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