Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal Ring / new- 2.8 g - (1)

Ring Ethiopian Opal / polished / new

In 925. Sterling silver set

Weight: 2.80 g / 14 ct

12.4 mm x 9.1 mm

New and unworn

Ring size:

U 57
UK P 1/2
US 8.0
Fr 17
Inner diameter: 18.1 mm

Opals from Australia have long been known. In recent years, however, a new variety from Ethiopia is stealing a bit of the spotlight: the Welo opal! This stone is translucent and captivates with its characteristic, unique light reflections. It was discovered in the Semien Wollo mountain region in northeastern Ethiopia. The exact time of discovery is not known. Some sources date the introduction of the Welo opal to the Nairobi market in 1993. The discoverer is considered to be chemist Tilahun Yohannes, and as early as 1994 geologist Dr. N. Barot reports in an article in the ICA Gazette about this gemstone novelty. Mining began gradually; in 1997 only 10 kilograms were mined. The lapidary company Eyaopal from Addis Ababa cut 400 grams from it. In the same year the Welo opal was presented at the international minerals fair in Sainte-Marie, and a year later Eyaopal displayed 350 cut opals at the Tucson trade show. Commercial mining began in 2008. A new star among opals was born.

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