Socketed items

A socketed item is an item with one or more sockets which can be filled with special  gems. Socketed items were introduced in the Burning Crusade expansion, and function much like jewels from Diablo 2 Lord of Destruction.

Sockets do not replace enchantments. So, an item could have up to 3 types of bonuses aside from its default stats :
 * Temporary improvement ( Sharpening Stone, Wizard Oil, weightstone )
 * Permanent Enhancement ( Armor Kit, or enchantment )
 * Socketed gems

Socketed items can be found in Outland and Northrend, and may be crafted by high level crafters. With the exception of bracers and  gloves modified by  blacksmiths, and  belts modified with Eternal Belt Buckle, sockets are not added to an item but are pre-assigned, much like item stats are. If an item you have has a socket, any other instance of that same item also has a socket, with the exceptions mentioned above.


 * Tigole on Sockets: The system will be fairly similar to that of Diablo II, along with some nuances that will make it unique to World of Warcraft. For example, we plan to introduce a new type of gem that grants bonuses that depend on the other types of gems your character is using. In addition, players will be able to overwrite gems, but at the cost of the gem they are replacing.