Gems are tough to find and require a fair bit of luck, and that’ goes double’s double true when it’s time to refine them. However, you’ll need the extra bonuses they offer if you’re taking on faction missions or other high-level tasks.
How to get gems in New World
Getting gems in New World is largely dependent on luck. They come from mining Iron, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Starmetal, and Orichalcum, but the chance of finding a gem is fairly rare. Just as you do when mining for rare ores, you’ll want to eat food in the potato family to increase your mining luck or equip the Miner’s Charm. The best chance of finding gems comes from Iron and Silver deposits, both of which are abundant around Windsward. However, some players report higher chances of finding gems in the Amrine Temple Expedition. These expeditions only unlock after you acquire the Azoth Staff, so make sure to complete the Hermit’s quests if you want to try this route. Of course, wealthy explorers also have the option to buy gems and gemstones from the trading post. Gems come in four rarity tiers, with rarer gems offering more powerful skills.
New World gem crafting
Finding gems is just the first step, though. Refining them through crafting requires special essences, or motes, that correspond with the gem’s element. These motes are specific to certain plants, and you’ll need harvesting of at least level 50 to gather them.
New World mote locations - Where to find all New World motes
New World gems - Every New World gem and what it does
These are the gems you can slot into weapons or armor by just dragging the gemstone onto your piece of equipment. Think carefully before replacing them, however. You can’t remove and re-use gems. Taking them out destroys the gem. Gems can have two different effects depending on where you place them. On weapons, they augment your attack, and obviously, if you put a gemstone in armor, it enhances your defense. If you end up with gems you don’t need or want, try selling them at the trading post. These, along with bags and satchels, usually fetch a high price regardless of the settlement you’re in. Gems are just one part of crafting good armor in New World. You’ll also need to raise your crafting levels and get some lucky drops, but even the best armor won’t keep you alive if your weapon choice and builds aren’t optimized.
