Why Ethiopian Opals Are the Best Buy in Opals
Why Ethiopian Opals Are the Best Buy in Opals
When most people think of opals, their minds jump straight to Australia—and for good reason. Australian opals have long dominated the market with their rich history and stunning color play. But in the last couple of decades, something exciting has happened in the world of opals: Ethiopian opals have emerged as a true game changer. And if you're looking to invest in a breathtaking, unique gemstone without breaking the bank, Ethiopian opals are the best buy in opals today.
Incredible Play of Color
Ethiopian opals are becoming famous for their vivid and dynamic play-of-color, often rivaling and even surpassing their Australian counterparts. These gems can flash an entire rainbow, with fiery reds, electric blues, vivid greens, and neon oranges all dancing in one stone. Some varieties, like the Welo opals, are especially known for their great flash and translucent-to-crystal body color, which gives them an ethereal, glowing appearance when the light hits just right.
Affordability Without Compromise
One of the biggest advantages of Ethiopian opals is value. Because they’re relatively new to the market (discovered in significant deposits only in the early 2000s), they haven’t been inflated in price like many traditional opals. This gives buyers the rare opportunity to own high-quality, jaw-dropping opals at a fraction of the cost of similar stones from elsewhere.
If you're a collector, designer, or just someone who wants something stunning and different, Ethiopian opals are a smart and affordable choice right now.
Unique Characteristics and Versatility
Ethiopian opals are not just beautiful—they’re also diverse. From the Welo opals pictured above to the Shewa opals pictured below, most of which are commonly brown or honey colored, with all of the gorgeous flash of color we know and love about opals. Ethiopian opals give you lots of options to create your own look. And, at a price range lower than you may expect.
Still a Hidden Gem (For Now)
Unlike the saturated Australian opal market, Ethiopian opals are still gaining recognition. That means there's plenty of room to grow in value. Lots of folks are really starting to take notice, which makes now the perfect time to buy. You're getting ahead of the curve—buying something rare and beautiful before the rest of the world catches on.
So Here’s the Verdict
If you're looking for exceptional beauty, affordability and future value all wrapped up in one gemstone, Ethiopian opals check every box. They’re stunning, they’re unique, and right now, they’re one of the smartest buys in the gem world.
So whether you’re shopping for your next statement piece or just want some great jewelry for your casual wardrobe—don’t sleep on Ethiopian opals. You just might fall in love with their fire, just like I already have.
Check out my: Ethiopian Collection