Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal Ring / Cabochon / new- 2.68 g - (1)

Ring Ethiopian Opal / Cabochon / new set in 925 sterling silver Weight: 2.68 g 17.6 mm x 11.6 mm New and unworn The ring size is somewhat variable, see photo 4 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 light reflections. It was discovered in the Semien Wollo mountain region in northeastern Ethiopia. The exact time of discovery, however, is not known. Some sources date the introduction of the Welo Opal to the Nairobi market in 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 gemstone cutting shop 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 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:£0.84

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