An unusual thing has been happening on my server's economy of late. People have started selling raw Tier III Epic gems, a perplexing event.
Now.. we're still 80% through phase II, we havn't even opened phase III yet, let alone the badge vendor. I don't quite understand why someone would sell a raw epic gem from Hyjal/BT for 300-400g when the cheapest of the cut epic gems sells for 1000g. Now it's true, not everyone who obtains these gems can cut them... but the guilds that hit Hyjal/BT all have at least one Jewelcrafter who could cut for guildies. Hell, I even cut epics free of charge (though there's always generous tips) for random people if they bring the mats and their guild's Jewelcrafters can't be reached.
When you more than double the price of the gem by cutting it, a difference of 600g for cheaper cuts, why would you even consider selling a raw gem? You could tip a Jewelcrafter 200g and still make more selling it cut.. perplexing.
And on another note, what currency do the epic gem patterns sell for? There's 4 at the SSO rep vendor for gold, and I know the gems will sell for badges. Will the other epic cuts sell for badges as well? I still have a couple cuts to learn and havn't been lucky with drops :D