Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal Ring / new- 2.74 g - (1)

Ring Ethiopian Opal / polished / new

Set in 925 sterling silver

Weight: 2.74 g / 13.7 ct

13.5 mm x 8.2 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 been well known for a long time. For the past few years, a new variety from Ethiopia has been stealing a bit of the spotlight: Welo opal! This stone is translucent and captivates with its characteristic, unique play of light. 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 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 reported this gemstone novelty in an article in the ICA Gazette. Mining gradually began; in 1997 only 10 kilograms were mined. The Addis Ababa-based gemstone cutting company Eyaopal cut 400 grams from it. Still in the same year, the Welo opal was presented at the international mineral fair in Sainte-Marie, and a year later Eyaopal showcased 350 cut opals at the Tucson trade show. Commercial mining began in 2008. A new star among opals had been born.

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