Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal 2 stud earrings / new- 0.74 g - (2)

2 Ethiopian opal stud earrings / new

Set in 925 sterling silver

Total weight: 0.74 g

6.1 mm x 4.8 mm x 15.1 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 some of their thunder: Welo opal! This stone is translucent and captivating for its characteristic, unique play of light. It was discovered in the Semien Wollo mountain region in northeastern Ethiopia. The exact date of the find is unknown, however. Some sources date the introduction of Welo opal to the Nairobi market to 1993. Chemist Tilahun Yohannes is credited with its discovery, and in 1994 geologist Dr. N. Barot reported on this gemstone newcomer in an article in the “ICA Gazette.” Mining got off to a slow start; just 10 kilos were extracted in 1997. The Eyaopal gem-cutting workshop in Addis Ababa cut 400 grams of it. That same year, Welo opal was presented at the international mineral fair in Sainte-Marie, and a year later Eyaopal exhibited 350 cut opals at the trade fair in Tucson. Commercial mining began in 2008. A new star among opals was born.

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