How do I unlock the "The Jewel Trade" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

To unlock "The Jewel Trade" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you need to visit the Zora's Domain and interact with a specific NPC. This quest revolves around trading luminous stones for a valuable reward, and it is one of the many side quests that encourage exploration and resource gathering. Here is a detailed guide to help you complete this quest.

First, you need to reach Zora's Domain, which is located in the Lanayru region. This area is accessible early in the game, but you may need to prepare for the journey. The path to Zora's Domain is filled with enemies and environmental challenges, such as rain that makes climbing difficult. To make the trip easier, consider bringing stamina-restoring food or elixirs, as well as weapons to deal with the Lizalfos and Octoroks along the way. Once you arrive at Zora's Domain, you will notice the unique architecture and the friendly Zora NPCs.

The NPC you need to speak with for "The Jewel Trade" is Ledo, a Zora stonemason. He can be found near the eastern entrance of Zora's Domain, close to the water. Ledo is working on repairing a bridge and is in need of luminous stones. When you talk to him, he will explain that he requires 10 luminous stones to complete his work. In exchange, he offers you a diamond, which is a valuable material used for crafting and upgrading certain armor sets.

Luminous stones are a common resource found throughout Hyrule, particularly in areas with rocky terrain or near bodies of water. They glow at night, making them easier to spot. You can gather luminous stones by breaking ore deposits with weapons like hammers, bombs, or any blunt weapon. Some good locations to farm luminous stones include the cliffs around Zora's Domain, the Lanayru Wetlands, and the Eldin Mountains. If you are short on luminous stones, you can also purchase them from traveling merchants or find them in treasure chests.

Once you have collected 10 luminous stones, return to Ledo and give them to him. He will reward you with a diamond, completing the quest. However, there is an important consideration to keep in mind. While the diamond is a valuable reward, luminous stones themselves can be sold for a decent amount of rupees. If you are in need of money, you might want to weigh the benefits of trading the stones versus selling them. Additionally, luminous stones are used in other crafting recipes and upgrades, so consider your overall resource needs before making the trade.

A common mistake players make is not gathering enough luminous stones before starting the quest. This can lead to unnecessary backtracking and wasted time. To avoid this, make sure you have at least 10 luminous stones in your inventory before speaking to Ledo. Another mistake is overlooking the value of luminous stones in other contexts. While the diamond is a great reward, luminous stones are versatile and can be used in multiple ways, so think carefully about how you want to use them.

For advanced players, there are ways to optimize the collection of luminous stones. Using the Sheikah Sensor+ to detect ore deposits can save time, as it will help you locate luminous stones more efficiently. Additionally, wearing armor sets that increase your mining speed, such as the Climber's Set, can make gathering resources faster and more enjoyable. If you are aiming for 100% completion, keep track of how many luminous stones you have collected and where you found them, as this will help you in other quests and upgrades.

In summary, "The Jewel Trade" is a straightforward side quest that rewards players with a valuable diamond in exchange for 10 luminous stones. To complete it, travel to Zora's Domain, speak with Ledo, gather the required stones, and make the trade. Be mindful of the multiple uses for luminous stones and plan accordingly. With proper preparation and resource management, this quest can be completed efficiently, adding to your overall progress in the game.