Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal Ring / new- 1.1 g - (1)

Ring Ethiopian Opal / new In 925 sterling silver mount Total weight: 1.10 g / 5.5 ct 6.1 mm x 4.9 mm New and unworn Ring size: U 57 UK P 1/2 US 8.0 Fr 17 Inner diameter: 18.1 mm Opals from Australia have long been known. For several years, however, a new variety from Ethiopia has begun to steal a bit 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 northeast 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 already in 1994 geologist Dr. N. Barot reports in an article in the “ICA Gazette” about this jewel novelty. Mining began slowly; in 1997 only 10 kilograms were mined. The jewelry workshop Eyaopal from Addis Ababa cut out 400 grams. In the same year the Welo opal was presented at the international minerals fair in Sainte‑Marie and a year later Eyaopal displayed 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:$2.24

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