What is the reward for finishing the "The Jewel Trade" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The "The Jewel Trade" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a relatively simple quest that involves trading a valuable gemstone for a unique piece of armor. This quest is located in the Zora's Domain area, specifically in the town of Zora's Domain. The quest is given by an NPC named Ledo, who can be found near the entrance to the domain, working on a sculpture. Ledo is in need of a luminous stone to complete his work, and he offers a unique reward in exchange for it.

To start the quest, you need to speak with Ledo. He will explain that he needs a luminous stone to finish his sculpture. Luminous stones are a type of gemstone that can be found in various locations throughout Hyrule, particularly in areas with rocky terrain or near bodies of water. These stones emit a soft glow, making them easier to spot at night. Once you have a luminous stone, you can return to Ledo and give it to him. In exchange, he will reward you with a piece of armor called the Zora Greaves, which are part of the Zora Armor set.

The Zora Greaves provide a defense boost and also increase your swimming speed, making them particularly useful when navigating the many rivers and lakes in the Zora's Domain area. This armor piece is especially helpful if you are planning to explore the surrounding areas or take on the Divine Beast Vah Ruta, which is located nearby.

To find a luminous stone, you can explore the cliffs and rocky areas around Zora's Domain. One reliable location is the cliffs to the east of the domain, where you can find several luminous stones embedded in the rock faces. You can also find them in the Lanayru region, particularly around the Lanayru Wetlands and the Lanayru Promenade. If you are having trouble finding luminous stones, you can use the Sheikah Sensor+ to track them down, provided you have upgraded your Sheikah Slate at the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab.

When collecting luminous stones, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, as these areas are often inhabited by enemies such as Lizalfos and Octoroks. It is a good idea to have a decent supply of weapons and arrows, as well as some healing items, in case you encounter any hostile creatures. Additionally, if you are collecting luminous stones at night, you may want to bring along a torch or a light source to help you see better, as the glow from the stones can sometimes be difficult to spot in the dark.

One common mistake players make is not having enough luminous stones when they first encounter Ledo. It is a good idea to collect a few extra luminous stones before starting the quest, as they can be used for other purposes, such as selling for rupees or upgrading certain armor sets. Another mistake is not realizing the value of the Zora Greaves. While they may not seem like the most powerful piece of armor at first, their swimming speed boost can be incredibly useful, especially in the early stages of the game when you are still exploring the Zora's Domain area.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can make when completing this quest. One strategy is to use the Sheikah Sensor+ to quickly locate luminous stones, saving you time and effort. Another strategy is to use the Zora Greaves in combination with other pieces of the Zora Armor set, such as the Zora Helm and Zora Armor, to maximize your swimming speed and defense. This can be particularly useful when taking on the Divine Beast Vah Ruta, as the increased swimming speed will allow you to navigate the water-based puzzles more efficiently.

In terms of alternative approaches, some players may choose to sell their luminous stones instead of trading them for the Zora Greaves. While this can be a quick way to earn rupees, it is generally not recommended, as the Zora Greaves provide a unique benefit that can be very helpful in the early stages of the game. Additionally, luminous stones are not particularly rare, so you can always collect more later if needed.

Overall, "The Jewel Trade" is a straightforward quest that offers a valuable reward in the form of the Zora Greaves. By following the steps outlined above and keeping these tips in mind, you can easily complete the quest and add a useful piece of armor to your collection. Whether you are a new player or a seasoned veteran, the Zora Greaves are a worthwhile addition to your inventory, providing both defense and a useful swimming speed boost that can help you navigate the waters of Hyrule with ease.