The gem effects in Diablo 4 can be a lot to keep track of, and we decided to make that easier for you.
We’ve compiled a list of the different gem types, their effects, and the sockets you can have on your gear to put them in. This means that you have only one place to check and get all the information you need!
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The Diablo 4 gem system should be pretty familiar
Gem types, effects, and tiers
Kitting out your armor and weapons with the proper gem effects is crucial to building your character. Using the right gems could be the difference between success or death in the world of Sanctuary.
Which gem you should use in the game will depend largely on the class you’re playing, along with the build you’ve chosen to run. There will be guides for all kinds of different fun builds popping up everywhere, including here, so make sure to check back once the game releases.
Below you will find the seven different gemstone types, along with the basic buff they add. For all seven types, there are five tiers.
We’ll use Amethyst as an example:
- Crude Amethyst
- Chipped Amethyst
- Amethyst
- Flawless Amethyst
- Royal Amethyst
Each level up the chain will improve the bonus you get, which in this case would be either damage over time reduction (if in armor), resistance to shadow (if in jewelry), or increased damage over time (if in weapons).
| GEMSTONE | ARMOR | JEWELRY | WEAPONS |
| Amethyst | Adds Damage Over Time Reduction | Adds Resistance to Shadow | Adds Damage Over Time |
| Diamond | Adds Barrier Potency | Adds Resistance to All Elements | Adds Ultimate damage |
| Emerald | Adds Thorns | Adds Resistance to Poison | Adds Damage to Elites |
| Ruby | Adds to Maximum Life | Adds Resistance to Fire | Adds Resource Generation |
| Sapphires | Adds Damage Reduction While Fortified | Adds Resistance to Cold | Adds Critical Strike Damage to Crowd-Controlled Enemies |
| Skulls | Adds Healing Received | Adds Armor Stat | Adds Life On Kill |
| Topaz | Adds Damage Reduction While Control Impaired | Adds Resistance to Lightning | Adds Lucky Hit Chance |
Equipment sockets
You can’t socket up every item the same with infinite gems, however. Each item can either drop with a socket or have one added in some cases.
The number of sockets varies depending on the equipment slot, ranging from either one or two total sockets possible.
The maximum number you can run at any given time would be ten, regardless of your weapon choice.
| EQUIPMENT | SOCKETS |
| Cap | 1 |
| Tunic | 2 |
| Pants | 2 |
| Amulet | 1 |
| Ring | 1 |
| 1-Handed Weapon | 1 |
| 2-Handed Weapon | 2 |
| Bow | 2 |
| Focus | 1 |
READ MORE: Diablo 4 reveals official launch system requirements — can you play?
