Who Buys Gems in Gerudo? Unveiling the Gem Trade Secrets of Hyrule
The short answer is: No one directly buys gems from you within Gerudo Town in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. However, there are strong connections to gem trading and utilization within Gerudo, influencing where you should sell your precious stones for the best profit. The key is understanding the Gerudo’s needs and their impact on the wider Hyrulean economy.
Understanding the Gerudo and Gems
The Gerudo are a proud and independent race, renowned for their warriors and skilled craftsmanship. While they don’t directly offer a “buy back” service for gems you find, gems are crucial to their culture and economy. They use them extensively in jewelry, armor enhancements, and as a form of currency or trade. This demand indirectly affects the prices offered for gems elsewhere in Hyrule.
Therefore, while you won’t find a specific gem buyer in Gerudo Town, understanding the Gerudo’s demand for gems is important as it connects you to Ramella, a Gerudo merchant. As the article says she can be found in Goron City after completing Divine Beast Vah Rudania.
Ramella: The Key Gem Vendor
The best way to leverage the Gerudo’s need for gems is to work with Ramella, a Gerudo merchant who operates in Goron City. After completing the Divine Beast Vah Rudania quest (in Breath of the Wild), she will appear in Goron City and offers to buy specific gems in batches of 10 at a higher price than regular shops. In Tears of the Kingdom, she continues her business in Goron City.
This is how you indirectly benefit from the Gerudo’s demand. Ramella is essentially acting as an agent, sourcing gems to likely sell on to her people back in the Gerudo region. To maximize your profits, you must track what gem Ramella is currently seeking, as her demands change.
Here’s a breakdown of how Ramella’s deals work:
- Initial Request: Upon meeting her, Ramella initially requests 10 Amber. Completing this starts a side quest (“Amber Dealer” in Breath of the Wild).
- Rotating Inventory: After fulfilling the Amber request, she will cycle through requests for other gem types, offering lucrative deals. These gems include Topaz, Ruby, Sapphire, and even Diamonds.
- Premium Pricing: Ramella consistently offers more rupees per gem than standard shops, making her the preferred vendor for bulk gem sales.
Why Goron City?
Why does Ramella operate in Goron City and not Gerudo Town itself? The most likely reason is access to the raw materials. Goron City is located near Death Mountain, a rich source of ore deposits and various types of gems. This strategic location allows her to easily acquire large quantities of gems from explorers and miners who frequent the area. It’s a logistical hub for her business, making it more efficient than setting up shop directly in Gerudo Town.
Gem Usage in Gerudo Culture
Understanding why the Gerudo value gems so highly gives you further incentive to seek out Ramella. Here are a few key uses:
- Jewelry: Gerudo are renowned for their beautiful and intricate jewelry. Gems are a central component of these creations.
- Armor Enhancements: Gems are used to embellish and enhance armor, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits.
- Social Status: The type and quantity of gems worn can signify social standing within Gerudo society.
- Trade & Barter: While Rupees are the main currency, rare gems can be used for high-value trades and bartering within the Gerudo community and beyond.
The intricate relationship between the Gerudo, their culture, and the value they place on gems fuels Ramella’s business, creating a unique economic opportunity for Link.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gem Sales
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide a deeper understanding of gem selling and Ramella’s role:
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Where can I find Ramella? Ramella is located in Goron City, but only after you have completed the Divine Beast Vah Rudania quest. Look for her wandering around, or sleeping in the Rollin’ Inn.
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What is the first gem Ramella asks for? Ramella’s initial request is for 10 Amber.
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How much does Ramella pay for Amber? She will offer 500 Rupees for 10 Amber pieces.
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What gems does Ramella buy after Amber? She cycles through: Topaz, Ruby, Sapphire, and Diamonds.
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Does Ramella buy gems in Tears of the Kingdom? Yes, she continues to buy gems in Tears of the Kingdom, operating under the same principles as in Breath of the Wild.
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What are the best gems to sell to Ramella? The best gems to sell depend on what she is currently requesting. Diamonds offer the highest payout when she’s looking for them.
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How much does Ramella pay for Diamonds? She pays 5,500 Rupees for a batch of 10 Diamonds.
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Is it better to sell gems to Ramella or regular shops? It is always better to sell in batches to Ramella when she requests the gem type you have. Her prices are significantly higher.
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Can I manipulate what gems Ramella wants? The gem she wants seems random and based on a flag system in Breath of the Wild, so it is difficult to influence. Just keep checking back.
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Where is the best place to find gems? Mining ore deposits throughout Hyrule is the primary method. Death Mountain and areas around it are especially rich in gems.
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What are gems used for besides selling? Gems are used for armor upgrades at Great Fairy Fountains and for crafting certain items. Some can also be fused to weapons and shields.
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Should I sell all my gems to Ramella? Consider your needs. If you need Rupees quickly, selling to Ramella is a great option. However, if you plan on upgrading specific armor, you may want to hold onto certain gem types.
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What is the “Amber Dealer” side quest? This quest is triggered when you give Ramella 10 Amber for the first time. Completing it unlocks her regular gem buying cycle.
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How do armor upgrades work? Visiting the Great Fairy Fountains allows you to upgrade your armor, increasing its defense. Each Fairy requires specific materials, often including gems.
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What are the benefits of upgrading armor? Upgrading your armor increases your defense, making you more resistant to enemy attacks. Some armor sets also unlock special bonuses when fully upgraded.
Beyond Rupees: The Value of Knowledge
While selling gems to Ramella is a great way to earn Rupees, understanding the Gerudo’s culture and their connection to gems adds a deeper layer to your gameplay experience. It also shows the potential of learning in games. The world of Hyrule isn’t just about fighting monsters; it’s about understanding its cultures, economies, and intricate systems. To explore more about the academic side of gaming and its broader applications, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Understanding these concepts helps you find the optimal strategies to play and also think more critically about how games can be used to educate and engage.