Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal Ring / new- 3.94 g - (1)

Ring Ethiopian Opal / polished / new

Set in 925 sterling silver

Weight: 3.94 g

14.3 mm x 12.2 mm

New and unworn

Ring size:

U 61 - 62 (sits right in between)
UK T - T 1/2
US 9.7
Fr 21 - 22
Inner diameter: 19.55 mm

Opals from Australia have long been known. In recent years, however, a new variety from Ethiopia has been stealing some of the spotlight: the Welo Opal! This stone is translucent and captivates with its characteristic, unique flashes 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 considered to be chemist Tilahun Yohannes, and as early as 1994 geologist Dr. N. Barot reported on this gemstone novelty in an article in the ICA Gazette. Mining began slowly; in 1997 only 10 kilograms were mined. The Addis Ababa-based gemstone cutter Eyaopal processed 400 grams from it. In the same year, the Welo Opal was presented at the International Mineral Show in Sainte-Marie, and a year later Eyaopal showed 350 cut Opals at the Tucson trade show. Commercial mining began in 2008. A new star among Opals was born.

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