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Richard Lewis Jewelry

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Ethiopian opal

Ethiopian (Welo) opal: bright, often hydrophane opal from Wollo, Ethiopia.

Hydrophane Opal: Why Ethiopian Opal Absorbs Water

August 7, 2026 August 6, 2026 by Richard Lewis
A polished Ethiopian opal cabochon resting half submerged in a small glass dish of water on a dark surface, water droplets beading on the exposed half, the wet portion of the stone turned milky white against the clear, colorful dry portion, lit warmly from the side.

Hydrophane opal absorbs water and can cloud or discolor. A goldsmith explains why Ethiopian opal behaves this way, and how to care for it.

Categories OpalsTags buying guide, Ethiopian opal

Ethiopian vs Australian Opal: What’s the Difference?

August 6, 2026 June 16, 2026 by Richard Lewis
Two opal rings side by side, a bright crystal opal and a darker blue-green opal, on charcoal stone

Ethiopian vs Australian opal explained by a jeweler of 50 years: origin, fire, hardness, water sensitivity, price, and which one is right for you.

Categories OpalsTags Australian opal, buying guide, Ethiopian opal

How to Care for Opal Jewelry

August 6, 2026 June 16, 2026 by Richard Lewis
Opal pendant in 14k yellow gold resting on a soft cloth with a cleaning brush and water droplets

How to clean, store, and protect opal jewelry so it keeps its fire for life, from a jeweler with 50 years at the bench. Includes Ethiopian opal care.

Categories Jewelry CareTags Ethiopian opal

Please reach out with any custom requests or questions...


Have something special in mind? I welcome custom orders and commissions. If you’d like more details or additional photos of a piece, just reach out. I’d love to hear from you.

CONTACT ME

Richard Lewis Jewelry
1415 Fulton Road, STE 205-112
Santa Rosa CA
95403-7619

+1-707-292-8325

© 2026 Richard Lewis Jewelry, a Blue River Gems brand operated by Richard Lewis in Santa Rosa, California, USA. All rights reserved.

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  • Home
  • Shop
    • Rings
      • Opal Rings
      • Abalone Pearl Rings
      • Moonstone Rings
    • Pendants
      • Opal Pendants
      • Abalone Pearl Pendants
    • Earrings
  • Gallery
  • Articles
  • About
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