Jewelry

[Shanus]

The opal is one of the softest & easiest to crack stones...more susceptible in a ring. The TSV ring, which has been repeated at every presentation, is set "high". Careful not to bang it against anything, even lightly. Of all stones the opal should be in a lower protected setting especially in a ring that's so easily to hit something.

[SilleeMee]

It's been my understanding that Ethiopian opals are more durable than most other opals. But I understand that opals in general are prone to cracking and chipping. I own a welo opal line bracelet and none of my stones have ever chipped or cracked. I'm rough on my jewelry, too.

[roxxy1]

@Shanus  Thanks for the reminder of how soft opals are.

Opal is my birthstone, and of all the pieces I have, they are all in a low setting.

[2blonde]

Ethiopian opals are very different from the typical Australian or Mexican opals.  The Ethiopian Welo opal is much more durable and doesn't need to be moistened, or have any special care.  I've been collecting them for several years in jewelry, and I've never had a stone chip or break.  I would, however, refrain from immersing them in water or using any chemical cleaners on them.

[SilleeMee]

The more dry a welo opal is, the more color-play will be seen. But if you get it wet  it will turn colorless and almost clear like what the heck?? Just let it dry out and the colors will come back.

[2blonde]

@SilleeMee  Yes, that's right.  I started buying Ethiopian rings and bracelets when they first became available, and I have to say that some of the older pieces had color fading without even getting wet!  I tried wetting them and letting them dry like they say, but it didn't help  This hasn't happened with any of my newer pieces, so I think they just weren't selling good quality back then (my early ones came from JTV).  Maybe they weren't really the "Welo" type.  Because of that, I was hesitant to spend big $ on any of them, so I mostly only have them set in SS. My best stones have come from ShopLC, but they haven't been getting them in as much anymore because of the export issues.

[Katcat1]

I am not that impressed with this gem day.  It's okay but just okay unless I missed something.  I turned it off because of boredom.  I never liked opals with the changing colors. 

[Kachina624]

I couldn't believe they had a watch with a band done in Ethiopian opal.   I too have heard it's sturdier than Australian opal but still,  watch bands take a beating.   I'm in love with this stone,  however.   The opal TSV would have looked so much better in white gold IMO.   I might have been tempted had it been. 

[SilleeMee]

OT...I wonder how they dye those welo opals? They are so pretty when they are blue, pink and green.

[Havarti]

Opals, like pearls, are always better off not getting wet.