Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal Ring / Cabochon / new- 2.88 g - (1)

Ring Ethiopian Opal / Cabochon / new in 925. Sterling silver set Weight: 2.88 g 19.6 mm x 10.9 mm New and unworn The ring size is a little variable, see photo 4 Ring size: U 55 UK O US 7.2 Fr 15 Inner diameter: 17.5 mm Opals from Australia have long been known. For several years now, however, a new variety from Ethiopia steals a little of the show: 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 the find 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 the chemist Tilahun Yohannes and as early as 1994 the geologist Dr. N. Barot reports in an article in the ICA Gazette about this gemstone novelty. Mining began slowly; in 1997 only 10 kilos were mined. The Addis Ababa-based gem cutter Eyaopal 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. In 2008 commercial mining began. A new star among opals was born. Ships as insured registered mail

Estimate:£126.92

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