Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal 2 stud earrings / cabochon / new- 1.36 g - (2)

2 Ethiopian opal stud earrings / cabochon / new Set in 925 sterling silver Total weight: 1.36 g / 6.8 ct 8.2 mm x 6.0 mm x 17.0 mm New and unworn Opals from Australia have long been known. In recent years, however, a new variety from Ethiopia has begun to steal a bit of their 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 northeastern Ethiopia. The exact time of discovery is not known. Some sources date the introduction of the Welo opal on the Nairobi market to the year 1993. The discoverer is considered to be chemist Tilahun Yohannes, and already in 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 kilos were mined. The gemstone cutter Eyaopal from Addis Ababa cut 400 grams from it. 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 trade fair in Tucson. Commercial mining began in 2008. A new star among opals was born. Shipped as insured registered mail

Estimate:£29.68

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