Gem Stall Thieving in OSRS: Your Ultimate Guide to Success

Gem Stall Thieving in OSRS: Your Ultimate Guide to Success


Thieving is one of the most engaging and profitable skills in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), offering players a chance to snag valuable loot with a bit of stealth and strategy. Among the various thieving methods, stealing from gem stalls stands out as a rewarding yet underutilized option. Whether you’re chasing experience points (XP), hunting for profit, or simply looking to mix up your skilling routine, gem stall thieving in OSRS is worth exploring. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about gem stall thieving, from locations and requirements to tips for maximizing your gains. Let’s get started!

Gem stall thieving involves stealing precious gems from market stalls scattered across Gielinor. It’s a members-only activity that requires a decent Thieving level and a keen eye to avoid getting caught. Successfully nabbing a gem grants you both XP and loot, which can range from uncut sapphires to rare diamonds. While it’s not the fastest XP method compared to blackjacking or Pyramid Plunder, it offers a unique blend of profitability and moderate effort, making it a solid choice for many players.

Why Choose Gem Stall Thieving?

Gem stall thieving isn’t just about the loot—it’s about finding a rhythm that suits your playstyle. Here’s why it might be the right fit for you:

  • Decent XP Rates: At higher levels, you can achieve respectable XP per hour, especially with the right setup.
  • Profit Potential: Gems like uncut rubies and diamonds can fetch a tidy sum on the Grand Exchange.
  • Low Competition: Unlike popular methods like pickpocketing Ardougne Knights, gem stalls are less crowded.
  • Variety: It’s a refreshing break from click-intensive methods, offering a more relaxed pace.

How Does It Work?

To steal from a gem stall, you’ll need to right-click the stall and select the “Steal-from” option. Success depends on your Thieving level, and if you’re spotted by guards or the stall owner, you’ll face combat or a temporary lockout. Each successful theft rewards you with 160 Thieving XP (or more in certain locations) and a random gem, with a respawn timer dictating how often you can steal again.

Key Locations for Gem Stall Thieving

OSRS features several gem stalls across its world, each with unique characteristics. Choosing the right location can make or break your thieving session. Below are the top spots to consider.

Ardougne Gem Stall

Located in the bustling East Ardougne marketplace, this is one of the most accessible gem stalls.

  • Thieving Level: 75
  • XP per Steal: 160
  • Respawn Time: 1 minute 40 seconds
  • Notes: Guards and knights patrol the area, so timing is key. Stealing here is a requirement for a master clue scroll challenge.

Kourend Castle Gem Stall

Found in Great Kourend’s castle courtyard, this stall offers a similar experience with a twist.

  • Thieving Level: 75
  • XP per Steal: 160
  • Respawn Time: 1 minute 40 seconds
  • Notes: Guards can spot you, but the layout allows for safer positioning if you’re cautious.

TzHaar Gem Stall (Mor Ul Rek)

Deep in the volcanic city of Mor Ul Rek, this stall stands out for its unique loot table.

  • Thieving Level: 75
  • XP per Steal: 408
  • Respawn Time: 105 seconds
  • Notes: Offers a chance at cut gems and even an onyx (1/50,000), but guards hit hard if you’re caught.

Prifddinas Gem Stall

In the elven city of Prifddinas, this stall caters to high-level thieves.

  • Thieving Level: 75
  • XP per Steal: 160
  • Respawn Time: 1 minute 40 seconds
  • Notes: Requires completion of Song of the Elves, making it exclusive but serene.

Requirements and Preparation

Before you start swiping gems, you’ll need to meet some prerequisites and gear up. Proper preparation can boost your efficiency and safety.

Thieving Level and Quests

You’ll need at least 75 Thieving to steal from gem stalls, though higher levels reduce failure rates. For Prifddinas, completing the Song of the Elves quest is mandatory, while Mor Ul Rek requires access to the TzHaar city (no specific quest, just navigation).

Recommended Gear

Your gear can make a big difference in success and survivability. Here’s what to bring:

  • Rogue’s Outfit: Doubles your loot per steal—perfect for profit-focused runs.
  • Ardougne Cloak: Boosts pickpocketing success (doesn’t stack with Gloves of Silence but useful elsewhere).
  • Dodgy Necklace: Gives a 25% chance to avoid stuns if caught, though not directly applicable to stalls.
  • Food or Prayer Gear: Essential for Mor Ul Rek, where guards can deal significant damage.

Inventory Setup

Keep your inventory light and practical:

  • Gems (to bank or alch if cut).
  • Food for emergencies (e.g., sharks or monkfish).
  • Teleport runes or items for quick escapes.

Tips and Strategies for Gem Stall Thieving

Success in gem stall thieving hinges on technique. These strategies will help you maximize XP, profit, and safety.

Timing Your Steals

Watch the stall owner and nearby guards. Steal when they’re distracted or out of sight. In Ardougne, lure knights into buildings to clear your path. In Mor Ul Rek, position yourself south of the stall for a safer angle.

World Hopping

With respawn timers like 1 minute 40 seconds (or 105 seconds in Mor Ul Rek), world hopping can keep you stealing non-stop. Pair this with a bank nearby—Ardougne’s bank is steps away, while Mor Ul Rek has a deposit box—to offload loot quickly.

Profit vs. XP Focus

Decide your goal: XP or gold. For XP, Mor Ul Rek’s 408 XP per steal is unmatched. For profit, banking uncut gems from Ardougne or Kourend can net you 300-500 GP per steal on average, with Mor Ul Rek offering higher variance due to cut gems and rare drops.

Avoiding Detection

In crowded areas like Ardougne, stand behind the stall or use obstacles to break line-of-sight. In Mor Ul Rek, toggle Protect from Melee prayer briefly during steals if a guard is near, then retreat to a safe spot like the vent north of the ore stall.

XP Rates, Loot, and Profit Breakdown

Understanding what you’ll gain from gem stall thieving helps set expectations. Here’s a detailed look at XP rates and loot potential.

XP Rates by Location

Location XP per Steal Approx. XP/Hour
Ardougne 160 20,000-30,000
Kourend Castle 160 20,000-30,000
Mor Ul Rek 408 50,000-70,000
Prifddinas 160 20,000-30,000

Note: XP rates assume world hopping and minimal interruptions. Mor Ul Rek shines with higher XP but requires more attention.

Loot Table Highlights

Here’s what you might snag:

  • Ardougne/Kourend/Prifddinas: Uncut sapphire, emerald, ruby, or diamond (avg. value ~356 GP per steal).
  • Mor Ul Rek: Cut or uncut sapphire, emerald, ruby, diamond, dragonstone, or onyx (1/50,000). Cut gems boost profit significantly.

Profit Potential

Profit varies by luck and strategy:

  • Ardougne/Kourend: 50,000-100,000 GP/hour banking uncut gems.
  • Mor Ul Rek: 100,000-200,000 GP/hour with cut gems, potentially millions if you hit an onyx.

Conclusion: Is Gem Stall Thieving Worth It?

Gem stall thieving in OSRS offers a compelling mix of XP and profit for players willing to master its nuances. While it won’t outpace blackjacking or Pyramid Plunder for sheer speed, its lower competition and decent rewards make it a hidden gem (pun intended) in the thieving world. Mor Ul Rek stands out for its high XP and rare loot potential, while Ardougne and Kourend provide steady, accessible gains. Whether you’re an ironman hunting resources or a main chasing gold, gem stall thieving deserves a spot in your skilling rotation. So, grab your rogue’s outfit, scout your stall, and start stealing—Gielinor’s gems are waiting!