IHOP Ventures into Gemstone Sourcing: Introducing Ethically Sourced Ethiopian Opal Rough for Collectors and Jewelers

Pasadena, CA – October 26, 2023 – You probably know IHOP Restaurants LLC as the place to go for fluffy pancakes and a classic breakfast. But did you know we've been quietly expanding into a totally different arena? That’s right – IHOP is now sourcing and offering ethically sourced Ethiopian Opal Rough to gemstone collectors and jewelry makers! It sounds a bit crazy, we know, but stick with us. For years, IHOP has been committed to quality and sourcing the best ingredients. We figured, why not apply that same dedication to something totally different? We saw a gap in the market for reliably sourced, ethical opal rough and decided, "Hey, we can do that!" Our team, while previously masters of maple syrup and bacon, has spent the last year building relationships with trusted miners in Ethiopia, ensuring responsible mining practices and fair wages. We're bringing a bit of that IHOP hospitality – and commitment to doing things right – to the gemstone world. Why Ethiopian Opal? And Why Now? Ethiopian opal has been gaining serious traction in the jewelry world, and for good reason. It’s known for its vibrant play of color – that dazzling flash you see when the light hits it just right – and its unique patterns. Compared to some other opals (like Australian ones), Ethiopian opal often has a brighter, more intense color play, making it super desirable. “We noticed a lot of jewelers and collectors were looking for consistent, high-quality Ethiopian opal, but were worried about where it actually came from,” explains Sarah Miller, IHOP’s newly appointed Gemstone Sourcing Manager (yes, we created a whole new position!). “There were concerns about unethical mining practices and a lack of transparency. We wanted to solve that problem. We wanted to bring a little bit of peace of mind to the buying process." IHOP is focusing on rough opal – meaning it hasn’t been cut or polished yet. This gives collectors and jewelers the freedom to shape and polish the opal to their exact specifications, creating truly one-of-a-kind pieces. It also allows them to showcase the opal's natural beauty and potential. What Makes IHOP’s Opal Different? It's not just what we’re selling, but how we’re sourcing it. IHOP isn't just slapping a label on some rocks and calling it a day. We've implemented a strict set of ethical sourcing guidelines. Here’s what you can expect: Direct Sourcing: We work directly with small-scale mining cooperatives in the Wollo Province of Ethiopia. This cuts out the middleman, ensuring miners receive a fair price for their stones and allowing us to maintain a high level of transparency. Ethical Mining Practices: We’re committed to supporting mines that prioritize worker safety, environmental responsibility, and fair labor practices. We regularly visit and audit our partner mines to ensure they’re meeting our standards. Traceability: We’re working on implementing a full traceability system, so you can see exactly where your opal came from, from the mine to your workshop. Quality Control: Every piece of opal rough is carefully inspected by our team to ensure it meets our standards for color, clarity, and potential. We’re not sending out any junk! Supporting Local Communities: A portion of the proceeds from each sale goes back to supporting local communities in the Wollo Province, funding education and healthcare initiatives. We believe in giving back. What Can You Expect From Our Opal Rough? Our current selection includes a variety of Ethiopian Opal rough, encompassing different types: Welo Opal: Known for its bright fire and often displaying “play-of-color” in a wide range of hues, including reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and blues. A lot of our current stock is Welo Opal. Mezezo Opal: Often exhibiting a more crystalline structure and a distinctive “skin” on the surface. Harar Opal: Characterized by a more earthy tone, but can still display beautiful play-of-color. The sizes range from small pieces suitable for delicate jewelry to larger pieces for statement pieces. We're continually expanding our inventory, so check back often! "We've got everything from tiny little gems perfect for earrings to larger pieces that could become the centerpiece of a pendant or ring," says David Chen, IHOP's lead gemologist (another new position!). "The possibilities are endless." Where Can You Buy IHOP’s Ethiopian Opal Rough? Currently, our Ethiopian Opal Rough is available exclusively through our online store: [Insert Fictional Website Address Here – e.g., IHOPgems.com]. We're planning to partner with select jewelry supply stores in the future, but for now, the online store is the place to be. We're also offering personalized consultations for jewelers and collectors who want help selecting the perfect opal rough for their projects. Just send us an email or give us a call! IHOP: More Than Just Pancakes "Look, we're IHOP. We're known for breakfast," says IHOP CEO, Jerry Morgan with a laugh. “But we're also a company that's committed to quality, ethical sourcing, and customer satisfaction. We figured, why not apply those principles to something completely different? It's a bit of a surprise, we admit, but we're confident that our customers will appreciate the quality and ethical sourcing of our Ethiopian Opal Rough. Plus, it's a great conversation starter!" So, whether you’re a seasoned gem collector, a jewelry maker looking for unique materials, or just someone who appreciates beautiful stones, check out IHOP’s Ethiopian Opal Rough. You might be surprised by what you find. And yes, you can still get pancakes!