Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal Ring / new- 2.56 g - (1)

Ring Ethiopian Opal / new set in 925 sterling silver Weight: 2.56 g 11.8 mm x 9.5 mm New and unworn The ring size is slightly variable, see photo 4 Ring size: U 53 UK M 1/2 US 6.4 Fr 13 Inner diameter: 16.8 mm Opals from Australia have long been known. For a few years, however, a new variety from Ethiopia has been stealing a little of the show: 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 to the year 1993. The discoverer is regarded as the chemist Tilahun Yohannes and, as early as 1994, the geologist Dr. N. Barot wrote about this gemstone novelty in an article in the ICA Gazette. Mining began slowly; in 1997 only 10 kilograms were mined. The Addis Ababa-based gem-cutting company Eyaopal 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 showcased 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:£0.83

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