Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal Ring / Cabochon / new- 2.5 g - (1)

Ethiopian Opal Ring / Cabochon / new Set in 925 sterling silver Weight: 2.50 g 10.5 mm x 7.8 mm New and unworn Ring size: US 8.7 UK R Fr 19 Inner diameter: 18.8 mm Opals from Australia have long been known. For several years, however, a new variety from Ethiopia has been stealing a bit of the spotlight: the Welo Opal! This stone is translucent and captivates with its distinctive, unique light reflections. It was discovered in the Semien Wollo mountain region in northeast Ethiopia. The exact date of discovery is not known. Some sources date the Welo Opal’s market introduction in Nairobi to 1993. The discoverer is considered to be chemist Tilahun Yohannes, and already in 1994 geologist Dr. N. Barot reported this gemstone novelty in an article in the ICA Gazette. Mining began slowly; in 1997 only 10 kilos 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 Mineral fair in Sainte-Marie, and a year later Eyaopal showed 350 cut Opals at the Tucson trade fair. Commercial mining began in 2008. A new star among Opals was born. Shipping as insured registered mail

Estimate:$2.24

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