Gems have been developed in more detailed manner for Diablo 3 than for the previous edition of the game. Earlier, in Diablo 2, gems functioned in the same way like in the World of Warcraft with a ‘cut’ property listed along with each gem. For example, a gem would be defined as a ‘chipped star emerald’. However, no ‘cut’ is listed alongside gems in Diablo 3 but gems have a ‘quality level’ of 14 levels in Diablo 3. This makes the role of gems very important in leveling up in the game. If you don’t understand the strategy of how to level up fast with the use of gems – along with other items – you would be seriously delaying your progress in the war to save Sanctuary!
Diablo 3 gems come with 14 levels while Diablo 2 only had five levels. Gems also carry different bonus amounts for being put into sockets of different items.
Diablo 3 gems are vital for twinking – a very useful leveling up technique in Diablo 3.
Another strategy of winning in Diablo 3 with gems is to understand how you would have to pay an artisan to have them removed from a weapon. The cost of removal would also depend on the initial value of the gem. So, the price would become higher as you play at higher levels but then you would need to unsocket gems to level them for a higher status or get a new weapon. For example, if you bought a gem as a low-level character and don’t have the money to unsocket that gem when you go for a better weapon could be a problem.
Meanwhile, the naming convention is developed similar to that in Diablo 2. The ‘Level’ of each gem is the one in which the jeweler needs to be to be able to work with a particular gem. The gem classification according to levels is
Level 1 – Flawed
Level 2 – Normal
Level 3 – Flawless
Level 4 – Perfect
Level 5 – Radiant
Level 6 – Square
Level 7 – Flawless Square
Level 8 – Perfect Square
Level 9 – Radiant Square
Level 10 – Star
Level 10 – Flawless Star
Level 10 – Perfect Star
Level 10 – Radiant Star
Check this amazing guide if you are looking for top advice to understand gem strategy and other leveling up techniques in Diablo 3.