Suggestion: For survival builds, use amethysts. This means that barbarians and templars want rubies (+strength) monks, demon hunters and scoundrels want emeralds (+dexterity), and witch doctors, wizards and enchantresses want topaz (+intelligence). In any other sockets (amulets, rings, legs, belt, bracers), characters will either be stacking their primary stat, or amethysts (+vitality) for increasing survival. For lower levels, a ruby is better because you may not have high crit yet. Suggestions: For most builds, an emerald is your best bet end game as it vastly increases your DPS with critical damage. For anyone focussing on improving survival the amethyst with its +life/hit bonus may be the gem of choice. For ranged classes and followers (demon hunter, witch doctor, wizard, enchantress and scoundrel), getting hit by melee is generally to be avoided, so the straight damage boost from rubies may be better. barbarian, monk and templar), the thorns bonus from the topaz gem should increase damage output the most. The weapon socket (on either main hand or off-hand items) options are rather interesting. Suggestion: Use amethyst gems in helm sockets to increase survival. The ruby gem with +experience may be helpful during levelling while the topaz gem may increase your chance of finding good gear upgrades with its +magic find bonus.

In general, the amethyst gem with its +life bonus will probably be the most solid choice throughout the game. The gem options available are more about utility than boosting output.

Regardless of your jeweler’s skill level, some gems are better than others for different classes or followers, however, the situation may also change depending on your play-style and whether you’re playing in a group or soloing.

Diablo 3 wizard gems