Phase 3 Gearing

Phase 3 Epic Gems

Phase 3 adds the raid-era epic gem family. Learn where the raw gems come from, how Jewelcrafting cuts are unlocked and which sockets deserve expensive upgrades first.

Phase 3Black TempleHyjal Summit

Acquisition

Where Phase 3 epic gems come from

Hyjal Summit

Ancient Gem Veins can appear as the raid advances between the Hyjal camps. Bring a max-level miner so the raid does not leave valuable gem nodes unused.

Hyjal Summit guide →

Black Temple

Black Temple trash can drop the new uncut epic gems. That makes trash clears relevant even when the raid is already comfortable with boss progression.

Black Temple guide →

The six Phase 3 epic gem families

Crimson SpinelRed

LionseyeYellow

Empyrean SapphireBlue

PyrestoneOrange

Shadowsong AmethystPurple

Seaspray EmeraldGreen

Examples include Runed Crimson Spinel for spell damage, Delicate Crimson Spinel for agility and Solid Empyrean Sapphire for stamina. Use the recommendation on your spec BiS page rather than matching every socket color automatically.

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Spend Smart

Which items should get epic gems first?

1Long-term Phase 3 BiS: gem pieces you expect to keep through most of Black Temple and Hyjal first.

2Hit/expertise breakpoints: a gem that completes an important cap can be worth more than a small raw-stat upgrade.

3High-value red sockets: many DPS and healing specs get excellent value from primary red-stat cuts.

4Temporary gear last: avoid sinking expensive gems into a piece you plan to replace on the next raid night.

Jewelcrafting recipes

The Scale of the Sands reputation unlocks epic cut designs through Indormi in Hyjal. The available recipes expand as reputation rises, so a progression raider who cuts gems can turn raid reputation into useful guild services.

Jewelcrafting 1–375

Find your exact cuts

Our Phase 3 BiS guides include gem recommendations and cap context for each supported raid specialization.

Phase 3 BiS by class