Where Are All the Stones of Barenziah Skyrim Location Guide
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is famous for its vast open world filled with countless secrets, hidden dungeons, and long-term collectible quests. Among these optional challenges, none is quite as notorious or time-consuming as tracking down the twenty-four hidden gems required to complete the Crown of Barenziah. Known officially in your log as the No Stone Unturned quest, this scavenger hunt spans the entire province and lacks individual quest markers, making an organized approach essential for successful completion.
Understanding the Mystery of the Unusual Gems
When you first encounter one of these floating pink crystals inside a small gold box, the game labels it simply as an Unusual Gem. To uncover their true purpose, you must carry at least one to Vex, a prominent member of the Thieves Guild residing in Riften. She will reveal that these pieces belong to a legendary royal crown, transforming your mysterious inventory items into a serious multi-hour treasure hunt across Skyrim.
Gathering these items requires a long-term commitment because many are tucked deep inside restricted locations or high-end properties. Players often find it helpful to document their progress manually since the standard user interface will not distinguish which specific gems have already been retrieved. For those tracking their milestones externally, checking your progress on a Steam account can offer a great way to view global completion data and share tips with fellow adventurers.
Major City Locations and Jarl Palaces
A significant portion of the gemstones can be discovered within the major holds, safely hidden inside secure residential properties or royal palaces. In Whiterun, players can find one sitting openly in the Jarl's chambers inside Dragonsreach, while another is located within the catacombs of the local Hall of the Dead. Exploring Windhelm reveals a gem tucked away in the House of Clan Shatter-Shield, as well as a second piece waiting inside the private quarters of Wuunferth the Unliving within the Palace of the Kings.
Solitude also holds multiple targets that require either social status or considerable wealth to access cleanly. One collectible sits inside the majestic Proudspire Manor, a costly piece of real estate that you must purchase from the local steward after assisting the citizens. Another piece resides within the Blue Palace, resting quietly on a bedside table in the Jarl's personal living quarters.
Exploring Dangerous Faction Strongholds
Several stones are heavily tied to major faction storylines, requiring you to join specific groups or breach highly guarded dungeons to claim them. For instance, advancing through the College of Winterhold campaign grants access to the Arch-Mage's Quarters, where a gem sits near the bed. Similarly, joining the Dark Brotherhood gives you access to their sanctuary near Falkreath, allowing you to grab the stone resting on a desk.
Other pieces are scattered inside ancient ruins and specialized caves that present significant combat challenges. You will need to clear out dangerous environments like Ansilvund in the Eastmarch region or navigate the sunken paths of Stony Creek Cave. Another notorious stone rests inside the Treasury House of Markarth, tucked inside a side room that requires careful stealth to avoid a bounty.
The Final Ultimate Reward for Completion
Once you successfully bring all twenty-four items back to Vex, she tasks you with retrieving the physical crown structure from Tolvald's Cave to complete the artifact. Reassembling this historical relic unlocks a powerful permanent active ability called Prowler's Profit, which alters your looting mechanics for the rest of your playthrough. This unique passive perk drastically increases the drop rate of precious jewels inside every single chest, burial urn, and container you open across Tamriel.