Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal Ring / Cabochon / new- 2.74 g - (1)

Ring Ethiopian Opal / Cabochon / new set in 925 sterling silver Weight: 2.74 g 17.4 mm x 11.2 mm New and unworn The ring size is somewhat variable, see photo 4 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 been stealing some of the spotlight: the Welo opal! This stone is translucent and captivates with its characteristic, unique light reflections. It was discovered in the Semien Wollo mountain region in northeastern Ethiopia. The exact time of discovery is not known. Some sources date the introduction of Welo opals to the Nairobi market to the year 1993. The discoverer is considered the chemist Tilahun Yohannes, and as early as 1994 geologist Dr. N. Barot reports in an article in the ICA Gazette about this gemstone novelty. Mining began slowly; in 1997 only 10 kilos were mined. The gemstone lapidary Eyaopal from Addis Ababa cut out 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. Shipped as insured letter

Estimate:$33.75

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