Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal 2 stud earrings / new- 1.18 g - (2)

2 Ethiopian Opal stud earrings / new

Set in 925 sterling silver

Total weight: 1.18 g / 5.9 ct

6.7 mm x 4.9 mm x 15.2 mm

New and unworn

Opals from Australia have been known for a long time. In recent years, however, a new variety from Ethiopia has begun to steal a little of their shine: 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, however, is not known. Some sources date the introduction of the 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 cutter Eyaopal from Addis Ababa cut 400 grams from it. In the same year the Welo opal was presented at the international mineral trade fair in Sainte-Marie, and a year later Eyaopal showcased 350 cut opals at the Tucson trade fair. In 2008 commercial mining began. A new star among opals was born.

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