Gems
From Diablo Wiki
Gems are a type of socketable item found in Diablo 2, its expansion, and recently confirmed to be present in Diablo 3. These precious stones embody innate magical abilities. When set into a socketed item these gems can add powerful magic effects. Higher grades of gems have stronger effects. Once inserted, gems cannot be removed from a socket, although they can be destroyed via a Horadric Cube recipe. The skulls of some demonic creatures, inscribed with eldritch symbols, are said to work much like gems. They were introduced to showcase the socketing system, which was expanded in Diablo 2: Lord of Destruction with the introduction of Runes and Jewels. Gems have been seen in a recent Diablo 3 gameplay video in the form of a chipped "star" topaz. Whether the "star" is a new type of gem or a modifier is currently unknown. Bashiok has stated that the shape of the gem had something to do with the Talisman. This system may or may not appear in the final game.
Gem effects are stackable. If you place 3 Gems of the same type in a sword you will receive the bonus of all three. The first Gem that is placed will determine the color of the weapon.
They can only be obtained by killing monsters, opening chests or using a Gem Shrine with no other gem in your inventory. Vendors do not normally sell Gems. If another player in a multiplayer game sells a Gem to a Vendor you may be able to buy it. Vendors also will not typically pay you full price for socketed items.
There are six types of gems, plus skulls, which are considered by the game to be gems for all purposes:
They come in five levels of increasing quality:
- Chipped
- Flawed
- Normal
- Flawless
- Perfect
You can upgrade gems by using a Gem Shrine, with a gem in your inventory, or by using the Horadric Cube. You can use the Horadric Cube to convert gems into higher quality gems. Place 3 Gems of one type into the Horadric Cube and hit the Transmute button.
