More Opals......

[Bron357]

Another purchase from a favourite eBay seller has arrived. One requires patience with this seller as the delivery takes weeks to arrive.
I rather liked the earrings and the ring was part of the set. I offered dear @Daisys and Diamonds a lovely Ethiopian opal I had but then I couldn’t get in set securely into a cabochon ring Mount. The bottom wasnt flat as I later realised. Grr. Anyhow the ring from the set will wing its way to New Zealand.
The Opals are Ethiopian and are set with a halo of Multicolour wee sapphires, very pretty.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Omg Bron it's gorgeous!!!

My sister is looking for earrings from them but we're still waiting for her ring delivery!

 

[Bron357]

Omg Bron it's gorgeous!!!

My sister is looking for earrings from them but we're still waiting for her ring delivery!

Expect to wait 4 to 5 weeks for delivery. Very slow but I think Covid has heavily impacted delivery times, not as many planes in the sky.
The pieces are really lovely and good value for the price.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Another purchase from a favourite eBay seller has arrived. One requires patience with this seller as the delivery takes weeks to arrive.
I rather liked the earrings and the ring was part of the set. I offered dear @Daisys and Diamonds a lovely Ethiopian opal I had but then I couldn’t get in set securely into a cabochon ring Mount. The bottom wasnt flat as I later realised. Grr. Anyhow the ring from the set will wing its way to New Zealand.
The Opals are Ethiopian and are set with a halo of Multicolour wee sapphires, very pretty.

OMG ! Its so beautiful
We can be transtasmen opal twins !!!!

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Omg Bron it's gorgeous!!!

My sister is looking for earrings from them but we're still waiting for her ring delivery!

I guess its the price we have to pay down here to be safe

 

[bright&shiny]

Another purchase from a favourite eBay seller has arrived. One requires patience with this seller as the delivery takes weeks to arrive.
I rather liked the earrings and the ring was part of the set. I offered dear @Daisys and Diamonds a lovely Ethiopian opal I had but then I couldn’t get in set securely into a cabochon ring Mount. The bottom wasnt flat as I later realised. Grr. Anyhow the ring from the set will wing its way to New Zealand.
The Opals are Ethiopian and are set with a halo of Multicolour wee sapphires, very pretty.

I saw these and was so tempted. They look wonderful on you!!!

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Im so excitted
I want to do this !

 

[Bron357]

I saw these and was so tempted. They look wonderful on you!!!

Keep an eye on the new listings. There will be more the same or similar.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Bron!!!! My sister's ring has arrived!!!

May I pretty please crash your thread?

 

[Bron357]

Bron!!!! My sister's ring has arrived!!!

May I pretty please crash your thread?

Of course, let’s see the pretty!

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

These rings are such great value. Originally we were going to go through all the drama of buying her a cab, trying to set it on a budget and then we saw your other thread!!!! Absolutely fabulous discovery Bron!!!! Thank you for sharing!!!

She's wanted an opal since forever!!!

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

How about black opals? Dark tone on colour changes are mesmerising..

 

[Bron357]

How about black opals? Dark tone on colour changes are mesmerising..

I adore all Opals.
Australian Black opal is in a price league of its own! You need many many thousands of dollars for quality examples.
Ethiopian or Welo Opals, like these examples, are much more modestly priced.
Black Ethiopian opal exists but because of the Opals hydrophane properties (they absorb water readily), you need to buy with care because by using a dark dye it is possible to
”make” Black Ethiopian opal.

 

[Sydneyphoenix]

I adore all Opals.
Australian Black opal is in a price league of its own! You need many many thousands of dollars for quality examples.
Ethiopian or Welo Opals, like these examples, are much more modestly priced.
Black Ethiopian opal exists but because of the Opals hydrophane properties (they absorb water readily), you need to buy with care because by using a dark dye it is possible to
”make” Black Ethiopian opal.

Try this place if you want to try decent black opals without redrawing on mortgage.

Australian Opal Stones | Online Opal Stone Store Melbourne

MAYS GEMS specialises in Australian Opal stones. As Melbourne's leading online opal store, browse our exquisite range and find the perfect gem. Shop now!

www.mays.com.au

 

[fredflintstone]

I adore all Opals.
Australian Black opal is in a price league of its own! You need many many thousands of dollars for quality examples.
Ethiopian or Welo Opals, like these examples, are much more modestly priced.
Black Ethiopian opal exists but because of the Opals hydrophane properties (they absorb water readily), you need to buy with care because by using a dark dye it is possible to
”make” Black Ethiopian opal.

There is none smoked (most are smoked and some dyed) black Welo opal. In 2013 they found natural non-hydrophane black opal and crystal opal at the Stayish mine in Wollo province, Ethiopia. There are even some natural blacks to be found in the Welo Opal of 2008, but the far majority are smoked, which is a permanent process.

The best crystal opal currently found is Welo Opal in top grade at about 10% the cost of a similar Aussie Opal if you can find one. Australia has not produced quality like top Welo crystal in abudance that since the early Andamooka days. A top crystal Welo Opal can cost $100.00 - $200.00 a carat depending on vendor in size over 4 carats. The same quality Aussie Opal would be $1000.00 - $2000.00, even more a carat. These are internet prices, not full-blown retail. I’ve known American wholesalers to sale top grade Welo Opal for $300.00 - $400.00 carat to the trade.

Welo Opal can last a lifetime, but care is needed not to get lotion, sweat, soap, or other oily substances on it. But if you do, wash it off two or three times with hot water for 20 or 30 seconds at a time. Wipe dry with a clean cloth after each rinsing. Your opal will be fine. It takes hours for Welo Opal to absorb water and become clear, so if you get anything I mentioned above or even food sauces or condiments on the opal wash it off right away before the opal has time to absorb and that takes time.

Btw, very pretty ring and earrings you have there!

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Can anyone shed light in why these items are so cheap???

They are so pretty but I can't get over how cheap they are!

Also if the opal is dunked in water and absorbs water, will it dry out again or is it doomed?

 

[T L]

Can anyone shed light in why these items are so cheap???

They are so pretty but I can't get over how cheap they are!

Also if the opal is dunked in water and absorbs water, will it dry out again or is it doomed?

Welo opals come in many different price ranges, but for a few hundred, you can get a seriously nice gem. The reason is because the deposit yielded a huge amount of opal, and hydroplane opals, which Welos typically are, often cost less due to the fact they need more care. They can easily become damaged by soapy water or lotions and other chemicals, so it’s best to be very careful with them. I think they’re beautiful, but Australian black opal is in a class by itself.

 

[Bron357]

Can anyone shed light in why these items are so cheap???

They are so pretty but I can't get over how cheap they are!

Also if the opal is dunked in water and absorbs water, will it dry out again or is it doomed?

Ethiopian Opals aren’t very expensive in medium quality and smaller sizes. After studying the sellers wares, some Opals are better than others. I buy accordingly. The settings are sterling silver not hefty and are cast so also not expensive. Manufacture costs are also much lower than Western countries. The other gems they offer are of questionable quality. The small sapphires are ok and the aquamarine also looks ok but the tanzanite, sapphire, emerald and ruby are all treated within an inch of their life but at such a modest price point, who cares. I view the pieces as premium costume jewellery standard,
Welo Opals need to avoid oils and perfumes. They have the capacity to absorb water. Yes, they lose colour play in dunked in water for a few minutes. As the stone drys put, the colour play returns. This can take a few hours to a day. So a splash of water is fine but don’t wear them in the shower, in a pool or at the beach. Avoid wearing hand lotions with them.

 

[Nikki1415]

Ethiopian Opals aren’t very expensive in medium quality and smaller sizes. After studying the sellers wares, some Opals are better than others. I buy accordingly. The settings are sterling silver not hefty and are cast so also not expensive. Manufacture costs are also much lower than Western countries. The other gems they offer are of questionable quality. The small sapphires are ok and the aquamarine also looks ok but the tanzanite, sapphire, emerald and ruby are all treated within an inch of their life but at such a modest price point, who cares. I view the pieces as premium costume jewellery standard,
Welo Opals need to avoid oils and perfumes. They have the capacity to absorb water. Yes, they lose colour play in dunked in water for a few minutes. As the stone drys put, the colour play returns. This can take a few hours to a day. So a splash of water is fine but don’t wear them in the shower, in a pool or at the beach. Avoid wearing hand lotions with them.

Can you please share who the seller is? Thank you!

 

[fredflintstone]

Can anyone shed light in why these items are so cheap???

They are so pretty but I can't get over how cheap they are!

Also if the opal is dunked in water and absorbs water, will it dry out again or is it doomed?

Mostly because Welo Opal is still relatively new to the market.

The first Ethiopian Opal, "Shewa" was found in 1993. These were the world's first "chocolate" opals (Shewa also produced crystal) but they were prone to cracking and crazing. Some would literally crumble in your hands. This greatly scared off many dealers (still does) from the Ethiopian market. So, in 2008 when Welo Opal was found it had a tough start gaining a good reputation and while its reputation is improving, it still has a ways to go. It is just as stable as its Aussie counterpart and it is a considerably tougher Opal. It is the world’s toughest Opal, much less prone to chipping and breaking when bumped than any other Opal. Which is where Welo/Stayish have the edge over all others. The Stayish mine (2013) non-hydrophane Opal share the tough factor of Welo.

Australia has been in the Opal business since the late 1800's. It has built its reputation over the years. So, think of Welo Opal as compared to Australian Opal as Burma Ruby compared to Mozambique, or Kashmir Sapphire as compared to Madagascar or Ceylon (Sri Lanka) sapphire. You will find just as good quality (better in crystal Opal) in Ethiopia but are paying for origin. You are paying for a name.

Welo Opal is plentiful in commercial qualities. But like any stone species, the higher the quality the rarer and more expensive they are. Top end Welo Opal is rising in price and will continue.

As far as Welo Opal getting wet, it must be soaked in water for hours to lose its color. Then once it dries out, all the color returns, time after time after time with no damage done to the stone. It is not like you will walk out in the rain with your Welo Opal a few minutes and it will lose color, it will not. It takes much longer and must be thoroughly soaked. It takes hours to several days to completely dry. This depends on how much water the Welo Opal submerged can hold. Some take on less than 1%. Most take under 5%. Some as high as 15%. A few, none. But let us not forget the Stayish mine Opal from the Wollo province that is non-hydrophane. It takes on no water and is still priced the same as Welo Opal except you pay more for the natural blacks which can be spectacular.

You will see these Opals rising in price in good to top grades the longer they are on the market and people realize there is a lot of misinformation about them. Much of it on purpose. Ethiopian Opal is here to stay.

 

[Bron357]

Can you please share who the seller is? Thank you!

Milano jewelry, they are in Thailand. Shipping takes weeks so be aware of this limitation.

 

[Bron357]

Mostly because Welo Opal is still relatively new to the market.

The first Ethiopian Opal, "Shewa" was found in 1993. These were the world's first "chocolate" opals (Shewa also produced crystal) but they were prone to cracking and crazing. Some would literally crumble in your hands. This greatly scared off many dealers (still does) from the Ethiopian market. So, in 2008 when Welo Opal was found it had a tough start gaining a good reputation and while its reputation is improving, it still has a ways to go. It is just as stable as its Aussie counterpart and it is a considerably tougher Opal. It is the world’s toughest Opal, much less prone to chipping and breaking when bumped than any other Opal. Which is where Welo/Stayish have the edge over all others. The Stayish mine (2013) non-hydrophane Opal share the tough factor of Welo.

Australia has been in the Opal business since the late 1800's. It has built its reputation over the years. So, think of Welo Opal as compared to Australian Opal as Burma Ruby compared to Mozambique, or Kashmir Sapphire as compared to Madagascar or Ceylon (Sri Lanka) sapphire. You will find just as good quality (better in crystal Opal) in Ethiopia but are paying for origin. You are paying for a name.

Welo Opal is plentiful in commercial qualities. But like any stone species, the higher the quality the rarer and more expensive they are. Top end Welo Opal is rising in price and will continue.

As far as Welo Opal getting wet, it must be soaked in water for hours to lose its color. Then once it dries out, all the color returns, time after time after time with no damage done to the stone. It is not like you will walk out in the rain with your Welo Opal a few minutes and it will lose color, it will not. It takes much longer and must be thoroughly soaked. It takes hours to several days to completely dry. This depends on how much water the Welo Opal submerged can hold. Some take on less than 1%. Most take under 5%. Some as high as 15%. A few, none. But let us not forget the Stayish mine Opal from the Wollo province that is non-hydrophane. It takes on no water and is still priced the same as Welo Opal except you pay more for the natural blacks which can be spectacular.

You will see these Opals rising in price in good to top grades the longer they are on the market and people realize there is a lot of misinformation about them. Much of it on purpose. Ethiopian Opal is here to stay.

Yes, top quality Welo opal is superb and rivals any Australian opal, except Black Opal. Black Opal really is in a league of its own. Like Russian Alexandrite, Burmese rubies and Kashmir sapphires. No gem, in my opinion, even comes close in beauty to a top Australian Black Opal.
Natural Black Welo opal is quite rare and is very beautiful.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Another purchase from a favourite eBay seller has arrived. One requires patience with this seller as the delivery takes weeks to arrive.
I rather liked the earrings and the ring was part of the set. I offered dear @Daisys and Diamonds a lovely Ethiopian opal I had but then I couldn’t get in set securely into a cabochon ring Mount. The bottom wasnt flat as I later realised. Grr. Anyhow the ring from the set will wing its way to New Zealand.
The Opals are Ethiopian and are set with a halo of Multicolour wee sapphires, very pretty.

Asking now to avoid disaster latter !
So its best to remove ring before washing hands

 

[fredflintstone]

Asking now to avoid disaster latter !
So its best to remove ring before washing hands

Yes.

I also take mine off if I'm eating something messy like BBQ ribs, spaghetti, etc.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Yes.

I also take mine off if I'm eating something messy like BBQ ribs, spaghetti, etc.

If im eatting ribbs at home i pretty much have to take everything off
i always think its the kind of dish you can only eat with people who you know really well

but will take your advice
Thank you

 

[MrsBlue]

Like bridal bouquets of spring flowers. How lovely!!!

 

[Beagles]

Another purchase from a favourite eBay seller has arrived. One requires patience with this seller as the delivery takes weeks to arrive.
I rather liked the earrings and the ring was part of the set. I offered dear @Daisys and Diamonds a lovely Ethiopian opal I had but then I couldn’t get in set securely into a cabochon ring Mount. The bottom wasnt flat as I later realised. Grr. Anyhow the ring from the set will wing its way to New Zealand.
The Opals are Ethiopian and are set with a halo of Multicolour wee sapphires, very pretty.

Love the multicolored sapphires with the opal! Congratulations!

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Another purchase from a favourite eBay seller has arrived. One requires patience with this seller as the delivery takes weeks to arrive.
I rather liked the earrings and the ring was part of the set. I offered dear @Daisys and Diamonds a lovely Ethiopian opal I had but then I couldn’t get in set securely into a cabochon ring Mount. The bottom wasnt flat as I later realised. Grr. Anyhow the ring from the set will wing its way to New Zealand.
The Opals are Ethiopian and are set with a halo of Multicolour wee sapphires, very pretty.

My absolutly stunning ring has arrived
Thank you so much for this amazing and also very kind gift Bron
im having trouble with posting photos
and pbotos do not do it justice
it is the most memorizing and magical piece of jewlery i own
It changes from every angle i look at it from, from sunlight, from weather conditions
its trully the most beautiful and fascinating thing
Yesterday i wore it out for the first time
we had to go to Palmerston north hospital for Gary's annual sarcadosis check in with his specialist
No rain here but it was raining cats and dogs when we got to the hospital
Now i have done some googerling and i beleave rain is ok - worst case it just has tp gently dry out for two weeks but i put it in my pocket for the very wet dash from the car park
to the hospital
In the car in the sun she was throwing so much red !
We had to visit different parts of the hospital all with different lighting
Oh my - the saphire halo set in gold just reminds me of Cinderella's coach !
On the way home she alienated between a green and red glow
Do you remember a kid's tv series/ book under the mountain?
It was a volcanic themed supernatural/sci fi story set in suburban Auckland
The two twins had magic rocks that glowed red and blue
Lets just say Im looking for a volcano !!!


The pbotos are no where near as good as real life
and in real life its a magnificently perfect light display the kind of sort i never thought i would own
because I'd always thought an opel should be a gift
and so it was
This is in the car, durring a sun shower

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I will post more pictures as i take better pictures
I would like to get the hako looking like it did being Cinderella's coach when i first opened the package
I think this picture is inside by the bedroom window late afternoon
That little white line at 8 o'clock ? An inclusion maybe ? is not visible to the naked eye and the surface of the stone feels luxuriously smooth

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Beautiful ring!!!! Hope you get to show it off lots @Daisys and Diamonds

@Bron357 you are such a lovely lady!!!