Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal Ring / new- 1.12 g - (1)

Ring Ethiopian Opal / new In 925. Sterling silver set Total weight: 1.12 g / 5.6 ct 5.9 mm x 4.8 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. In recent 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 characteristic, unique bursts 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 as early as 1993. The discoverer is regarded as the chemist Tilahun Yohannes, and as early as 1994 the 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 jewelry workshop Eyaopal from Addis Ababa cut 400 grams from it. In the same year the Welo opal was presented at the international mineral show 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:$168.06

View all items fromCatawikiorEthnographic