26.27 CT Investment Grade Welo Ethiopian Opal - GBB18 (2024)

FAQs

Is welo opal valuable? ›

Is Welo opal price valuable? Like most gems the top quality material is quite rare and commands a high price. The intensity of the color is what makes this opal valuable as the best Ethiopian opal have colors that are described as unreal looking like colored L.E.D. lights.

Ethiopian Opal Price Per Carat? The price per carat of Ethiopian opal ranges from 10-250 per carat based on the intensity, variety and patterns of color. Top quality gems will have color over the entire surface free of visible inclusions on the top surface of the opal.

Graded on a scale from B1 to B7 on the basis of brightness ranging from vivid, very bright, bright to moderate and subdued, Ethiopian opal possessing more brightness are more in value as well.

Internal stresses arise upon any dehydration resulting in surface shrinkage and progressive crazing and cracking. These defects make many Ethiopian opals unsuitable for use in jewelry.

If Opals are left in water and allowed to soak it up, they may lose their fire temporarily and turn yellow or brown. Don't worry, the fire and color will come back once the Opals have fully dried, which can take a few minutes to weeks, depending on how much water they managed to absorb.

Black Opal

Black opals are the rarest, most valuable opal variety. They can be gray, black, or even dark blue sometimes, so they're also called “dark opals.” Part of black opal's value lies in the contrast between the dark background and bright play-of-color.

Generally opals with a black or dark body tone are more valuable than those with a white, light, or crystal body tone, because a stone with a darker body tone tends to display colours more vibrantly. Above – AOGIA 1-9 body tone scale. Black opal is the most prized opal and may realise prices over AUD $15,000 a carat.

Look for a Play of Color

The “play of color” is what makes an opal so unique and desirable. This refers to the way the stone appears to change color when viewed from different angles. If you don't see any color play, the opal is likely a fake.

Contrary to Australian opal, Ethiopian's opal price is generally lower, making it a more affordable gemstone, because of the steady supply, however, high quality Ethiopian opal is still difficult to obtain and can be expensive. Ethiopian opal's value varies based on its variety, color intensity and patterns.

Look for good color play: One of the most important factors to consider when buying an Ethiopian opal is its color play. Look for an opal that displays a range of colors when viewed from different angles. The more vibrant and intense the colors, the more valuable the opal is likely to be.

How do you test Ethiopian opals? ›

Place the opal under the gemological microscope and adjust it to brightfield mode to illuminate the stone. Gently deposit a single drop of water onto the surface of the opal. Observe how the water drop interacts with the opal for a few seconds, allowing it either to evaporate or be absorbed into the stone.

If at all possible, avoid using too much water and instead use a wet cloth. Don't worry if your Ethiopian Opal gets wet. The colour and transparency will alter temporarily, but they will return to their original colour as it dries over a few days.

How To Store Your Ethiopian Opals. Keep your Opal jewelry separate from other pieces to minimize accidental contact or scratches to the stones, and store your Opal jewelry in its jewelry box, away from moisture, humidity, and direct sunlight.

Australian opal, especially opal from Lightning Ridge and Coober Pedy, is generally much more expensive and valuable than Ethiopian opal. Top quality Australian opals can sell for over $10,000 per carat. Ethiopian opal is quite affordable in comparison, usually ranging from $50-500 per carat depending on the quality.

While these unique types of opal can be found in Ethiopia, they are incredibly rare. The majority of precious Welo opal is light yellow, white, or translucent - body colors that showcase a vibrant rainbow effect created by the interplay of light.

While these unique types of opal can be found in Ethiopia, they are incredibly rare. The majority of precious Welo opal is light yellow, white, or translucent - body colors that showcase a vibrant rainbow effect created by the interplay of light.

Contrary to Australian opal, Ethiopian's opal price is generally lower, making it a more affordable gemstone, because of the steady supply, however, high quality Ethiopian opal is still difficult to obtain and can be expensive. Ethiopian opal's value varies based on its variety, color intensity and patterns.

Ultimately, the choice between an Australian opal and an Ethiopian opal depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a wider range of deep, vivid colors, an Australian opal may be the better choice.

Black Ethiopian Opal

These opals are as rare as a unicorn reading a newspaper. You can find them in the Stayish mine of the Wollo Province. It's worth noting here that while they can be naturally black, many of these gemstones are treated to get their signature hue.