Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal 2 stud earrings / cabochon / new- 1.7 g - (2)

2 pairs of Ethiopian Opal / Cabochon / new earrings in 925 sterling silver set Total weight: 1.70 g / 8.5 ct 9.2 mm x 6.5 mm x 17.1 mm New and unworn Opals from Australia have long been known. In recent years, however, a new variety from Ethiopia has begun to steal 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 northeast Ethiopia. The exact date of discovery is not known. Some sources date the introduction of the Welo opal to the Nairobi market in 1993. The discoverer is considered to be chemist Tilahun Yohannes, and as early as 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 jewelry workshop Eyaopal from Addis Ababa cut 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. Shipping as insured registered mail.

Estimate:£2.53

View all items fromCatawikiorEthnographical