Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal Ring / cabochon / new- 2.24 g - (1)

Ring Ethiopian Opal / Cabochon / new

In 925. Sterling Silver set

Weight: 2.24 g

10.9 mm x 7.8 mm

New and unworn

Ring size:

EU 54 - 55 (sits right in between)
UK N - O
US 7.0
Fr 14 - 15
Inner diameter: 17.35 mm

Opals from Australia have long been known. In recent years, however, a new variety from Ethiopia has somewhat stolen their spotlight: the 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 the Welo opal to the Nairobi market in 1993. The discoverer is regarded as chemist Tilahun Yohannes, and as early as 1994 geologist Dr. N. Barot reported in an article in the ICA Gazette about this gemstone 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 minerals fair in Sainte-Marie, and a year later Eyaopal displayed 350 cut opals at the trade fair in Tucson. In 2008 commercial mining began. A new star among opals was born.

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