Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal Ring / new- 3.62 g - (1)

Ring Ethiopian Opal / polished / new

Set in 925 sterling silver

Weight: 3.62 g

16.1 mm x 11.1 mm

New and unworn

Ring size:

U 52
UK L 1/2
US 6.1
Fr 12
Inner diameter: 16.4 mm

Opals from Australia have long been known. For some years, a new variety from Ethiopia has now begun to steal 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 northeast Ethiopia. The exact time of its discovery is not known. Some sources date the introduction of Welo opal to the Nairobi market to the year 1993. The discoverer is considered to be the chemist Tilahun Yohannes and already in 1994 the geologist Dr. N. Barot reported in an article in the ICA Gazette about this gem novelty. Mining began slowly; in 1997 only 10 kilos 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 showed 350 cut opals at the Tucson trade fair. In 2008 commercial mining began. A new star among opals was born.

Shipping as insured letter