Meta Gems

*Updated for the up-and-coming Patch 4.0.6!

There is currently only one viable meta gem for Retributors in Cataclysm :

[Reverberating Shadowspirit Diamond] (+54 Strength / 3% Increased Critical Damage)

Luckily, the only requirement is to have a total of three red gems. This is thanks to Retributors (and the other Strength classes) wanting only red gems to fill their sockets – regardless of what the socket bonus is!

Socket Gems

With Cataclysm now out, standard gem options have been officially set in place. Unfortunately (or hilariously, depending on your view), there is only one gem that a Retributor should have his eyes on. With Strength being the most important stat for us – even more-so than it was in Wrath of the Lich King, the Bold Inferno Ruby is the only way to go for gemming aside from your meta gem’s requirements (which is now purely red gems. Go figure huh!).

Unless a socket bonus gives you more than 20 Strength, there is absolutely no reason to use anything else but a red gem.