Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal Ring / new- 2.26 g - (1)

Ring Ethiopian Opal / cut / new

Set in 925 sterling silver

Weight: 2.26 g

9.4 mm x 7.5 mm

Brand new and unworn

Ring size:

U 54
UK N
US 6.8
Fr 14
Inner diameter: 17.2 mm

Opals from Australia have long been known. In recent years, however, a new variety from Ethiopia has begun to steal a little of their spotlight: the Welo opal! This stone is translucent and captivates with its characteristic, unique plays of light. It was discovered in the Semien Wollo mountain region in northeastern Ethiopia. The exact date 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 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 kilograms 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 showed 350 cut opals at the Tucson trade fair. In 2008 commercial mining began. A new star among opals was born.

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