Hi! I'm heading to Ethiopia in May. Anyone in possession of intelligence regarding laws and regulations vis-a-vis the purchase and export of Ethiopian opals.
Joined: Fri Jul 12, 2019 7:20 am Posts: 17 Location: Kenya
It's hard regulated by government. Much easier to buy it in Kenya. If you have the right contacts. They bring it in by the kilo but less can be arranged. And yes a lot safer. Not just because of the laws. It is a dangerous country Ethiopia. The mines are way north.
But tell us. Did you go? And if. Do please write how it went.
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It's hard regulated by government. Much easier to buy it in Kenya. If you have the right contacts. They bring it in by the kilo but less can be arranged. And yes a lot safer. Not just because of the laws. It is a dangerous country Ethiopia. The mines are way north.
But tell us. Did you go? And if. Do please write how it went.
Extremely unsuccessful. Took a flight up north and wanted to visit the mine at Wegel Tena. Taxi driver pulled over at the police station in a market town in close proximity to Wegel Tena. A sweating man in a leather jacket with the police officer behind him informed me that it was unsafe and there was 'conflict & war' occurring in Wegel Tena. Obviously, a terminological inexactitude but nevertheless, headed back to Addis and purchased a few samples. I'm very interested in opals from Kenya. Could you please send me a private message.
Every time I have ventured into a gem producing area in Ethiopia there has been unpleasant interactions with people in various uniforms, with automatic weapons. I have been lucky because I have always stopped in Addis to clear my travel with appropriate authorities. Because of this, the worst that has happened to me is a military escort out of the area. I know people who have not been so lucky. These days I'd rather go other places without the complications.
Every time I have ventured into a gem producing area in Ethiopia there has been unpleasant interactions with people in various uniforms, with automatic weapons. I have been lucky because I have always stopped in Addis to clear my travel with appropriate authorities. Because of this, the worst that has happened to me is a military escort out of the area. I know people who have not been so lucky. These days I'd rather go other places without the complications.
Purchased in Addis, what is your assessment of these opals?
Which polities do you recommend in Africa, south of the Sahara.
Best wishes, Transnational12
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Of course judging Opal is highly dependant on lighting, so it is hard to be very accurate from such a picture.
It looks like just slightly better than average material. But less than average cutting. Plenty available on the market without traveling. Price will depend on the market you are selling into.
Of course judging Opal is highly dependant on lighting, so it is hard to be very accurate from such a picture.
It looks like just slightly better than average material. But less than average cutting. Plenty available on the market without traveling. Price will depend on the market you are selling into.
Been offered this from a seller in the Horn of Africa's power state, Ethiopia.
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