Retribution Paladin Gems

Retribution Paladin Gems

Retribution Paladin Gems are updated for Patch 4.3.  Using gems for a Ret Paladin is very simple.  We gem for strength.  And after we gem all strength, we gem more strength, and then a bit more strength after that.  Because strength is such a lopsided stat for us, it simply contributes too much damage for us to gem anything else.

So what if I am under hit cap and expertise cap?  Shouldn’t I gem for hit or expertise?  Nope, not even close.  You can reach your hit and expertise caps through Reforging.  Gem strength.

I know some of you gem for hit rating, and that’s okay, but I have had no problem reforging to both expertise and hit caps…and then some.

Socket Bonuses

As we get deeper into tier gear, we find the use of hybrid gems changing.  At beginning Cataclym gear, using a hybrid gem is only viable if the socket bonus is +20 Strength or more.  That’s it, no exceptions.

There are some varying arguments that a hybrid strength/mastery gem in a + Mastery socket bonus might be a small DPS gain, but it really depends on the rest of your gear and how you weigh stats.   At the current time, you won’t lose or gain much DPS, so it’s not a risky gamble if you decide to experiment.

At T12 gear, hybrid gems change a little bit, and it is possible to see DPS increases by using a hybrid gem in a +10 strength or +20 mastery socket bonus.

Gems

Meta Gem

• [Reverberating Shadowspirit Diamond] +54 Strength/+3% Increased Critical Strike damage

Red Gems / Strength

• [Bold Chimera's Eye] +67 strength (JC only)
• [Bold Queen's Garnet] +50 strength
• [Bold Inferno Ruby] +40 strength
• [Bold Carnellian] +30 strength

Orange Gems / Mastery

• [Skillful Lava Coral] – +25 Strength / +20 Mastery
• [Skillful Ember Topaz] – +20 Strength/+20 Mastery

Purple Gems / Hit

• [Etched Shadow Spinel] – +25 Strength/  +25 Hit
• [Etched Demonseye] – +20 Strength/+20 Hit