Precious opal – Cabochon – Welo, Ethiopia

Cabochons made from Ethiopian opals are particularly popular in the jewelry industry because this type of cut enhances the stone’s internal opalescent effects and contributes to greater overall stability.

A cabochon cut features a domed, rounded top without facets, while the bottom is usually flat or slightly concave. This shape allows light to disperse across the gently curved surface from multiple angles, effectively emphasizing the opal’s rainbow-like play of color and distributing it evenly. At the same time, the smooth, rounded edges protect the stone from mechanical damage, which is especially important for opals due to their lower hardness. For hydrophane opals, this cut also has a practical benefit—it helps reduce internal stress within the stone, thereby lowering the risk of cracking when the stone absorbs water.

Ethiopian cabochons boast a wide range of colors—from light, milky whites through yellow and orange tones to intense red and green flashes. Many stones even display rare blue or violet play-of-color. Thanks to the cabochon shape, these colors flow smoothly across the domed surface.