Natural Opal set in a Solid 14 k white Gold setting.
This Crystal Opal from Welo Ethiopia , Africa is 100% natural and not a doublet or a triplet.
- OPAL WEIGHT: 4.3 ct.
- GOLD WEIGHT: .36 grams 14 k. white gold
- OPAL SIZE: 14.5 x 12 x 5 mm
- PENDANT SIZE: 26 x 12 mm with the Bale : 25mm = 1 inch
- BODY TONE: crystal opal N-9
- PATTERN: confetti / Patch
- COLORS: Mostly Red , yellow
- BRIGHTNESS: 5 +
- QUALITY: eye clean , few small patches of sand on the back
BRIGHTNESS IS RATED ON A ONE TO FIVE SCALE AS:
5. Opal is Brilliant and Color Jumps out of the stone at you at arm's length
4. Opal is Bright and Color is Crisp and Sharp at arm's length
3. Opal has Good Color at arm's length
2. Opal has Fair color but Nothing Special
1. Opal has Color but is Fairly Dull
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Ethiopian OPAL.
Welo opal is what is known as Hydrophane opal it comes
from Ethiopia, Africa. Hydrophane comes from the Greek words meaning
"water-loving ". The difference between Welo Opal and Australian opal
is Welo opal will absorb water and Australian opal will not. The downside
of this is that if it is allowed to stay wet for any length of time, it will
absorb water and lose its colour. This will not hurt or damage the opal in any
way, but the opal can temporarily turn clear or opaque and lose its color until
it dries. Not to worry as the opal will regain its original colour once allowed
to dry. For this reason, it is best to try to keep your Ethiopian opal
jewellery dry. How long does it take to dry if it absorbs water? Well, this
could be an hour up to a few days, depending on how much water the opal has
absorbed and the temperature and humidity where it is drying. There is a lot of
information on the internet about the origin and creation of Ethiopian opal.
Photos were taken under a 40 watt soft white light, without a flash and are NOT ENHANCED IN ANY WAY! I have been making Opal Jewellery for 30 years and stand behind all my work.