Is There Any Reason to Keep Gems in Skyrim? A Gemologist’s Guide to Tamriel’s Treasures
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Absolutely! While the glittering allure of gold might tempt you to sell every gem you find in Skyrim, hoarding those precious stones is a surprisingly savvy move. Beyond their inherent value as trade goods, gems have several crucial uses in the Dragonborn’s repertoire, from crafting potent jewelry to fulfilling quest requirements and even fueling magical forges. Consider them an investment, a crafting component, and a crucial resource – not just pretty trinkets. Stashing away those gems can significantly enhance your gameplay.
Gem Uses Beyond Selling
It’s easy to fall into the trap of equating gems with easy money. However, gems are vital components in several key Skyrim activities:
-
Jewelry Crafting: This is the most significant reason to hold onto your gems. Crafting jewelry not only boosts your Smithing skill but also allows you to create enchanted items that fetch a high price, thereby improving your Enchanting skill as well. The higher the gem quality, the better the resulting jewelry and the greater the experience gains.
-
Quest Fulfillment: Certain quests specifically require you to find and hand over gems. The most well-known example is “The Only Cure,” which requires a flawless ruby. Being prepared with a stash of gems saves you the time and frustration of scrambling to find one when you need it most.
-
The Atronach Forge: Located beneath the College of Winterhold, the Atronach Forge allows you to summon Daedric creatures and create powerful items. Certain recipes require specific types of gems. Experimentation is key, but having a variety of gems on hand will unlock many possibilities.
-
Unique Items: Keep an eye out for unique recipes and items that can only be created with gems.
Gem Varieties and Their Relative Worth
Skyrim boasts a dazzling array of gems, each with its own unique value and use. Here’s a quick breakdown:
-
Garnet: Relatively common and of lower value, but still useful for early-game jewelry crafting.
-
Amethyst: Slightly more valuable than garnets, offering a modest boost to jewelry value.
-
Ruby: A step up in value, rubies are commonly used in crafting and are required for the “The Only Cure” quest.
-
Sapphire: More valuable than rubies, sapphires are essential for crafting more prestigious jewelry.
-
Emerald: Similar in value to sapphires, emeralds offer a different aesthetic for your crafted jewelry.
-
Diamond: Highly valuable and prized for their brilliance, diamonds produce the most expensive jewelry.
-
Flawless Gems: Each type of gem has a “flawless” version. These are significantly more valuable and produce jewelry with higher enchantment potential. Always prioritize keeping flawless gems.
The Crown of Barenziah
While not a specific gem type, the Crown of Barenziah quest is critically linked to gems. This Thieves Guild quest tasks you with finding 24 Unusual Gems scattered throughout Skyrim. Completing this quest unlocks a passive ability that dramatically increases the chance of finding gems in containers, making it a highly lucrative endeavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gems in Skyrim
1. Are gems good for anything in Skyrim besides selling?
Absolutely! They’re essential for crafting jewelry (boosting Smithing and Enchanting skills), completing specific quests (like “The Only Cure”), and utilizing the Atronach Forge.
2. Should I sell all my jewelry in Skyrim?
Not necessarily. Enchanted jewelry is a valuable asset. Consider wearing jewelry with beneficial enchantments for your character build. Anything else, particularly self-crafted pieces, can likely be sold. Just don’t go throwing them at beggars – save the gems for crafting or bartering!
3. What is the most valuable gem in Skyrim?
While technically not a standard gem, the Exquisite Sapphire related to the Glover Mallory quest in Raven Rock has a value of 5000 septims. Otherwise, flawless diamonds tend to be the most valuable readily available gem.
4. Who should I sell gems to in Skyrim?
Merchants with the “Fence” perk (unlocked through the Thieves Guild) offer the best prices for stolen gems. Otherwise, any general goods vendor or jeweler will buy them. Investing in the “Merchant” perk from the Speech tree lets you invest in shops, increasing their available gold and improving your selling prices.
5. Should I carry all my gold in Skyrim?
Yes, it’s safe to carry all your gold. Unlike some games, gold isn’t confiscated when you’re arrested in Skyrim. It’s untraceable!
6. What items should I not sell in Skyrim?
Definitely hold onto ingots, ores, leather, dragon bones/scales, and of course, gems! These are essential crafting materials.
7. What is the point of jewelry in Skyrim?
Beyond aesthetics, jewelry can be enchanted to provide powerful buffs to your character’s skills and attributes. Crafting jewelry is also an excellent way to level your Smithing skill.
8. Should I sell my soul gems in Skyrim?
If you plan on doing any enchanting, keep your soul gems! They’re vital for recharging enchanted weapons and imbuing new items with magical properties. Empty soul gems are less valuable, but can be filled by using the soul trap spell.
9. What is the rarest thing in Skyrim?
Rarity is subjective, but some of the hardest items to find include the Crown of Barenziah (requiring you to find all 24 Unusual Gems), the Notched Pickaxe, and certain unique artifacts from quests.
10. What items are worth keeping in Skyrim?
Prioritize keeping Daedra Hearts, Dwemer metal pieces, enchanted items (for disenchanting), leather/animal pelts, ingots, ores, soul gems, and alchemy ingredients.
11. What is the most valuable object I can purchase in Skyrim?
Manor homes tend to be the most expensive. Proudspire Manor in Solitude costs a whopping 25,000 septims. Specific high-end Daedric weapons and armor can also cost a pretty penny.
12. What is the best Standing Stone to have activated in Skyrim?
It depends on your playstyle, but the Lover Stone is a solid choice for boosting all skills simultaneously. Other stones like the Warrior Stone, Mage Stone and Thief Stone boost skill progression in their respective categories by 20%.
13. Who is the best person to marry in Skyrim?
“Best” is subjective! Consider spouses who offer unique benefits, like Argis the Bulwark (a skilled warrior) or characters who can act as merchants.
14. Who is the best person to sell to in Skyrim?
Thieves Guild Fences offer the best prices, especially for stolen goods. Otherwise, general merchants with high gold reserves are your best bet.
15. How do you unmarry in Skyrim?
Unfortunately, there’s no legitimate way to divorce in Skyrim. The only way to end a marriage is through… less savory methods. So choose wisely!
Final Thoughts
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-curated gem collection in Skyrim! While selling them might seem like a quick path to wealth, holding onto them for crafting, questing, and enchanting will ultimately make you a more powerful and versatile Dragonborn. Happy gem hunting!
Remember, gaming offers rich environments for learning and problem-solving. You can find more about the intersection of games and education at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. GamesLearningSociety.org.