Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal 2 ear studs / new- 0.6 g - (2)

2 Ethiopian Opal Stud Earrings / new Set in 925 sterling silver / 18 karat gold-plated Total weight: 0.60 g / 3 ct 4.2 mm x 4.2 mm x 14.8 mm New and unworn 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 play of light. It was discovered in the Semien Wollo mountain region in northeastern Ethiopia. The exact date of discovery 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 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. Later that same year the Welo opal was presented at the international minerals fair in Sainte-Marie, and a year later Eyaopal exhibited 350 cut opals at the Tucson trade fair. In 2008 commercial mining began. A new star among opals had been born. Shipping as insured registered mail

Estimate:£5.91

View all items fromCatawikiorEthnographical