Okay so we know that crafting gear, like everything else, is tiered meaning that they see limited use above a certain level. However I think the gems should allow for more customizable options
The current jewels are:
I propose that there be customizable accessories that are made using the gemstones to imbue bonuses to stats and grant some attributes based on jobs instead of being useful for furniture by endgame
- Alexandrite (Not used for crafting though, but still used for making items [Relics]. as such it would have a different effect than boosting stats)
- Danbruite, Flurorite, Lapiz Lazuli, Malachite, Sphene and Sunstone (The "Brass" gems)
- Amethyst, Aquamarine, Garnet, Goshneite, Heliodor and Perdiot (The "Silver" gems)
- Amber, Rubellite, Spinel, Tourmaline, Turquoise and Zircon (the "Electrum" gems)
- Diamond, Emerald, Iolite, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz (The "Precious" gems, so named becuase they don't seem to be made into accessories)
These new accessories would be crafted by Goldsmiths, (natch) and can hold up to 8 gemstones (but can only affect 4 stats, some types of accessories like earrings have a lower limit of affixments) as well as some accessories made using all the gemstones (crafted through specific lesser accessories) but that would be more for glamour purposes. As a result you can craft multiple gemstones in a single accessory (and it also means you have to pick your gems wisely, unless you're going to max a certain stat or for glamor)
The difference from the Materia system is that unlike the Materia, which has to be melded into a piece of gear, these thing are crafted into the item itself.
Although they are customizable that doesn't mean they are tierless. The accessories themselves would be made using carious metals dictating the iLevel of the item from Iron (20-30) to Gold (50-60) to Darksteel (90) and so on. However they would not be as strong as the current endgame gear
So what do you think? I know this idea is a bit of a longshot and would cause some backlash ranging from being more theorycrafing friendly to Alexandrite being reduced to ma because it was jewel but please tell me your thoughts