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 ties into the broader narrative of the Zora people. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to unlock and complete this quest, along with tips and strategies to make the process smoother.

First, you need to reach Zora's Domain, which is located in the Lanayru region. To get there, you can follow the main questline that leads you to meet Prince Sidon and eventually help the Zora with their Divine Beast, Vah Ruta. However, you donÔÇÖt need to complete the Divine Beast quest to unlock "The Jewel Trade." Once you arrive in Zora's Domain, head to the central area where youÔÇÖll find a Zora named Ledo. He is standing near a stone pillar and is working on a construction project. Speak to him, and he will explain that he needs luminous stones to complete his work. This conversation will officially start "The Jewel Trade" side quest.

Luminous stones are a common resource found throughout Hyrule, but they are particularly abundant in the Lanayru region. These stones glow at night, making them easier to spot in dark areas. You can find them by exploring caves, cliffsides, and near bodies of water. To collect luminous stones, youÔÇÖll need to use a weapon with a high durability or a hammer-like tool, such as the Stone Smasher or a Goron weapon, to break the ore deposits. Each deposit typically yields 1-2 luminous stones, so youÔÇÖll need to gather at least 10 to complete the quest.

Once you have 10 luminous stones, return to Ledo in Zora's Domain. He will offer to trade them for a diamond, which is a rare and valuable gem used for crafting and upgrading certain armor sets. Diamonds are also required for repairing the legendary Zora weapon, the Ceremonial Trident. Trading luminous stones for a diamond is generally considered a good deal, as diamonds are harder to come by and have more uses in the game.

However, there is an alternative approach to this quest. If you speak to King Dorephan in the throne room of Zora's Domain, he will mention that luminous stones are highly valued by the Zora and that they can be used to create Zora armor. This is a subtle hint that you might want to hold onto your luminous stones instead of trading them. If you choose not to trade with Ledo, you can use the luminous stones to craft the Zora armor set, which is essential for exploring certain areas, such as the waterfalls around Zora's Domain. The Zora armor allows you to swim up waterfalls, making it a valuable asset for exploration and combat.

One common mistake players make is trading all their luminous stones for diamonds early in the game, only to realize later that they need them for crafting or upgrading armor. To avoid this, itÔÇÖs a good idea to gather extra luminous stones before completing the trade. This way, youÔÇÖll have enough for both the quest and any future crafting needs. Additionally, luminous stones can be sold for a decent amount of rupees, so they are a useful resource for earning money if youÔÇÖre in need of funds.

Advanced players might optimize their luminous stone gathering by using the Sheikah Sensor+ to detect ore deposits. This can be unlocked by completing the "Hateno Ancient Tech Lab" side quest and upgrading your Sheikah Slate. Once activated, the sensor can be set to detect luminous stones, making it easier to locate them in the wild. Another strategy is to mark luminous stone locations on your map as you explore, so you can return to them later when you need more.

In summary, "The Jewel Trade" is a straightforward side quest that involves gathering 10 luminous stones and trading them for a diamond. While the trade is beneficial, itÔÇÖs important to consider the alternative uses for luminous stones, such as crafting the Zora armor or selling them for rupees. By planning ahead and gathering extra stones, you can ensure that you have enough resources for both the quest and other needs in the game. Whether you choose to trade or hold onto your luminous stones, this quest offers a valuable lesson in resource management and decision-making in Breath of the Wild.