Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal 2 ear studs / new- 0.84 g - (2)

2 stud earrings Ethiopian Opal / new Set in 925 sterling silver / 18 karat gold-plated Total weight: 0.84 g / 4.2 ct 6.9 mm x 4.9 mm x 15.0 mm New and unworn Opals from Australia have long been well known. In recent years, however, a new variety from Ethiopia has been stealing a little of their thunder: 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 the find 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 lapidary Eyaopal from Addis Ababa cut 400 grams from it. In the same year, the Welo opal was presented at the international mineral 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. Shipping as insured registered mail

Estimate:$168.03

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