Ethiopian Opal / Welo Opal Ring / new- 2.74 g - (1)

Ring Ethiopian Opal / new set in 925 sterling silver Weight: 2.74 g 12.1 mm x 10.7 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 been known for a long time. In recent years, however, a new variety from Ethiopia has been stealing a bit 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 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 reports in an article in the ICA Gazette about this gem novelty. Mining began slowly; in 1997 only 10 kilograms were mined. The gemstone cutting house Eyaopal from Addis Ababa cut therefrom 400 grams. In the same year the Welo Opal was presented at the international mineral show in Sainte-Marie, and a year later Eyaopal displayed 350 cut opals at the Tucson trade fair. In 2008 commercial mining began. A new star among opals was born. Shipping as insured letter

Estimate:£20.08

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