Skyrim Stones of Barenziah Locations: Complete Guide to Finding All 24 Unusual Gems in 2026

The Stones of Barenziah remain one of Skyrim’s most notorious collectible quests over a decade after the game’s original release. Twenty-four unusual gems scattered across the frozen tundra, hidden in keeps, dungeons, and places you’d never think to look twice. Most players stumble on their first stone early, a gleaming pink gem sitting on a shelf, and then spend the next hundred hours scratching their heads about where the rest are hiding.

Unlike many RPG collectibles, the Stones of Barenziah don’t hand-hold. There’s no quest marker, no helpful NPC pointing you in the right direction, and half of them are tucked away in places you won’t visit unless you’re deep into faction questlines or exploring every dungeon on the map. The reward, but, makes the hunt worthwhile for anyone who’s ever felt the sting of needing more gold or gems.

This guide breaks down every single skyrim unusual gem location across all nine holds, with precise directions and the exact rooms you need to search. Whether you’re collecting these for the first time or coming back to finish what you started years ago, here’s everything you need to complete “No Stone Unturned.”

Understanding the Stones of Barenziah Quest

What Are the Stones of Barenziah?

The Stones of Barenziah appear in-game as unusual gems, smooth, pink stones that shimmer when you pass by them. Pick one up, and you’ll trigger the miscellaneous quest “No Stone Unturned.” The quest journal gives you almost nothing to work with: it simply tells you that Vex in the Thieves Guild might know more.

When you bring an unusual gem to Vex in the Ragged Flagon (Riften’s Thieves Guild hideout), she identifies it as one of the legendary Stones of Barenziah. According to lore, Queen Barenziah’s crown was broken apart, and its twenty-four gems were scattered across Skyrim. Your job? Find them all and bring them back so Vex can reassemble the crown.

These gems don’t respawn, and each location holds only one. You’ll need to explore cities, faction headquarters, and some of the game’s most dangerous dungeons to track them all down.

Rewards for Completing the No Stone Unturned Quest

Once you’ve collected all 24 stones and returned them to Vex, she’ll restore the crown and award you the Prowler’s Profit perk. This is where the quest goes from tedious collectathon to genuinely game-changing.

Prowler’s Profit dramatically increases the amount of gems found in loot containers throughout Skyrim. We’re not talking about a 10% bump, after activating this perk, nearly every urn, chest, and draugr corpse you loot will contain multiple precious gems (diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires). You’ll be swimming in gems within a few hours of dungeon crawling.

For players who craft jewelry to level Smithing or need a constant gold supply, Prowler’s Profit is borderline broken. Gems sell for significant gold, and transmuting iron ore into gold ore (with the Transmute spell) becomes absurdly profitable when you have endless gems to pair with gold ingots.

The crown itself, the Crown of Barenziah, is added to the Thieves Guild trophy room but can’t be equipped or used. It’s purely decorative, the real prize is that perk.

Stones of Barenziah Locations in Whiterun Hold

Dragonsreach (Whiterun)

Dragonsreach in Whiterun holds one of the earliest accessible stones if you’re following the main quest. Head to the Jarl’s quarters on the second floor (the area where you first meet Jarl Balgruuf during the “Bleak Falls Barrow” quest).

The stone sits on a small table in the Jarl’s bedroom, near his bed. The room is accessible during and after the main quest dialogue with the Jarl, but you’ll need to avoid being seen taking it, grabbing the stone counts as stealing. Sneak or wait until the Jarl leaves the room to avoid a bounty.

Jorrvaskr (The Companions’ Headquarters)

Inside Jorrvaskr (the mead hall of the Companions in Whiterun), you’ll find the stone in Kodlak Whitemane’s personal quarters. Enter Jorrvaskr and head downstairs to the Living Quarters. Kodlak’s room is in the back-left area.

The unusual gem is on a bedside table or shelf near Kodlak’s bed. Since you’re likely joining the Companions early in most playthroughs, this stone is easy to snag while you’re running errands for Vilkas or Farkas. Just make sure no one’s watching when you pocket it.

Stones of Barenziah Locations in Haafingar Hold

Proudspire Manor (Solitude)

Proudspire Manor is the player home you can purchase in Solitude for 25,000 gold (the most expensive house in the base game). The stone is located in the master bedroom on the second floor, sitting on a bedside dresser or nightstand.

You must own the house to access this stone freely. If you don’t want to drop 25,000 gold, you can technically pick the lock and break in, but the stone is considered owned property until you buy the manor.

Blue Palace (Solitude)

The Blue Palace in Solitude has one of the trickier stones to grab without getting caught. It’s located in Jarl Elisif’s personal quarters on the second floor, in her bedroom.

Head upstairs from the main hall and look for Elisif’s chambers. The stone is on a shelf near her bed, often partially obscured by other decorative items. The room is heavily trafficked by guards and NPCs, so bring a high Sneak skill or wait until nighttime when fewer people are wandering around.

Thalmor Embassy

You’ll visit the Thalmor Embassy during the main quest “Diplomatic Immunity.” This is one of the few locations you can’t easily return to after the quest, so grab the stone while you’re infiltrating the embassy.

After sneaking or fighting your way into the embassy, head to Elenwen’s Solar (her private quarters on the upper floor). The unusual gem is on a table in her bedroom, in plain sight once you enter the room. Many guides for this main quest suggest clearing the area thoroughly, so take your time to loot before moving on.

If you miss this stone during “Diplomatic Immunity,” you’ll need console commands (PC) or mods to return, since the location becomes inaccessible.

Stones of Barenziah Locations in Winterhold Hold

College of Winterhold (Arch-Mage’s Quarters)

The College of Winterhold stone is in the Arch-Mage’s Quarters, the private chambers you gain access to after completing the College questline and becoming Arch-Mage.

Once you have access, enter the quarters (located at the top of the main College building). The stone is on a small table or shelf in the bedroom area, near the Arch-Mage’s bed. If you haven’t finished the College questline yet, you’ll need to complete “The Eye of Magnus” to unlock this room.

Yngvild

Yngvild is a small, icy barrow located on an island north of Dawnstar and northeast of Winterhold. It’s not tied to any major quest, so many players never set foot here unless they’re exploring or hunting for these stones.

The stone is in Yngvild Throne Room, the deepest section of the dungeon. Clear the draugr and the necromancer boss, then look for the unusual gem on a table or pedestal near the throne at the back of the room. Yngvild is relatively short and straightforward, making this one of the easier remote dungeon stones to collect.

Stones of Barenziah Locations in The Rift

Black-Briar Lodge

Black-Briar Lodge is the Maven Black-Briar family’s private estate, located southeast of Riften on the road toward Ivarstead. The building is locked, so you’ll need to pick the lock or grab the key from Maven (though she rarely parts with it willingly).

Once inside, head upstairs to the second floor bedroom. The stone sits on a dresser or table near the bed. The lodge is small, so it’s hard to miss once you’re in the right room. Just watch out for hired muscle if you’re breaking and entering.

Mistveil Keep (Riften)

Mistveil Keep in Riften is the seat of power for the Jarl. The unusual gem is in the Jarl’s chambers on the second floor, specifically in the bedroom.

Head upstairs from the main hall and enter the Jarl’s private quarters. The stone is on a bedside table or end table near the Jarl’s bed. As with most Jarl quarters, this counts as stealing if you’re caught, so sneak or wait until the room is clear.

Ansilvund

Ansilvund is a Nordic ruin located north of Riften, tied to the miscellaneous quest “A Love Beyond Death.” The dungeon is fairly long and filled with draugr and a unique spectral enemy.

The stone is in Ansilvund Burial Chambers, the final area of the dungeon. After defeating the main enemies, look for the unusual gem on a table near an alchemy lab in one of the side rooms off the main burial hall. Since most walkthroughs for the dungeon mention this alchemy area, it’s hard to miss if you’re thorough.

Stones of Barenziah Locations in Eastmarch Hold

Palace of the Kings (Windhelm)

The Palace of the Kings in Windhelm serves as the headquarters for Ulfric Stormcloak. The stone is in Ulfric’s quarters, on the upper floor of the palace.

Head upstairs and enter Ulfric’s private chambers (you may need to pick a lock depending on your progress in the Civil War questline). The unusual gem is on a small table or shelf in the bedroom, near Ulfric’s bed. Timing is everything, sneak in when he’s addressing the war room or out of the palace entirely.

House of Clan Shatter-Shield (Windhelm)

The House of Clan Shatter-Shield is a wealthy residence in Windhelm, home to the Shatter-Shield family. It’s tied to the “Blood on the Ice” murder mystery quest, though you can enter at any time by picking the lock.

The stone is on the second floor in one of the bedrooms, sitting on a dresser or table. The house layout is straightforward, once you’re upstairs, check each bedroom until you spot the gem.

Stony Creek Cave

Stony Creek Cave is a bandit hideout located southeast of Windhelm, along the river. It’s a small, two-section dungeon with a handful of bandits and minimal challenge.

The stone is in the second section of the cave, near the bandit chief’s sleeping area. Look for a table or crate near the bedroll at the back of the cave. Stony Creek is quick to clear, making this one of the easier skyrim stone of barenziah pickups in the hold.

Stones of Barenziah Locations in Markarth and The Reach

Treasury House (Markarth)

The Treasury House in Markarth is central to the Thieves Guild quest “The Bedlam Job” and the city’s political intrigue. The building is locked and heavily secured, but the stone makes breaking in worthwhile.

Head to the second floor bedroom (Thonar Silver-Blood’s quarters). The unusual gem is on a bedside table or nightstand near the bed. If you’re doing the Thieves Guild quest here, grab the stone while you’re at it, two birds, one lockpick.

Understone Keep (Markarth)

Understone Keep is Markarth’s seat of government. The stone is located in the Jarl’s quarters, which are accessed via the main hall.

Head to the Jarl’s bedroom and look for the gem on a table or shelf near the bed. The keep is large and maze-like, so navigate carefully. As usual, this counts as stealing, so sneak or wait for the right moment.

Dead Crone Rock

Dead Crone Rock is a hagraven nest perched on a mountain peak in the Reach, west of Markarth. It’s tied to the Daedric quest “Pieces of the Past” (if you’re collecting Mehrunes’ Razor), but you can visit anytime.

The stone is at the very top of the tower, after you’ve climbed the exterior and defeated the hagravens. Look for it on a table or altar near the word wall at the summit. The climb is long, and the enemies hit hard, but the view, and the stone, make it worth the trek.

Stones of Barenziah Locations in Dungeons and Remote Areas

Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary

The Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary is the home base for the Dark Brotherhood faction, accessible after you join during the “With Friends Like These…” quest. The stone is in the main living quarters area.

Head to Astrid’s room (the leader’s quarters, located off the main hall). The unusual gem sits on a shelf or end table inside her chamber. If you’re not doing the Dark Brotherhood questline, you’ll miss this stone entirely unless you destroy the guild instead, but that locks you out of the room permanently.

Rannveig’s Fast

Rannveig’s Fast is a small, eerie fort located in the mountains northwest of Whiterun, between Rorikstead and Morthal. The place is home to a strange subjugator and a few ghostly prisoners.

The stone is in the interior of the fort, on a table in the main chamber where the subjugator keeps his captives. Clear the few enemies and loot the place, this is one of the faster dungeon stones to grab.

Sunderstone Gorge

Sunderstone Gorge is a winding canyon dungeon located southwest of Windhelm, filled with necromancers and undead thralls. It’s not tied to any major quest, so it’s easy to skip if you’re not exploring.

The stone is deep in the dungeon, in the final chamber where the boss necromancer resides. Look for it on a table near an arcane enchanter or alchemy station after you’ve cleared the room. Many dungeon completion guides highlight the arcane enchanter, so the stone is nearby.

Pinewatch

Pinewatch is a seemingly ordinary house south of Falkreath, but it hides a bandit hideout beneath. The location is tied to a Thieves Guild radiant quest, but you can explore it independently.

Enter the house and find the hidden passage (usually a bookshelf or cupboard) that leads to the bandit lair below. The stone is in the main bandit chamber, on a table or shelf near the leader’s bedroll or chest. Pinewatch is multi-leveled, so explore thoroughly.

Fellglow Keep

Fellglow Keep is a large fort dungeon tied to the College of Winterhold quest “Hitting the Books.” You’ll visit here to retrieve stolen books from a rogue mage and his summoned atronachs.

The stone is in the Fellglow Keep Dungeons, the lower section of the keep. After fighting through the main hall, head downstairs and look for the unusual gem on a table in one of the prison or ritual chambers. Since you’re here for the College quest anyway, it’s an easy pickup.

Dainty Sload (Shipwreck)

The Dainty Sload is a shipwreck located on the northern coast of Skyrim, northeast of Solitude. It’s tied to a Thieves Guild quest (“Scoundrel’s Folly”), where you sabotage the ship for the guild.

The stone is below deck, in the Captain’s Cabin. Head down into the ship’s interior and navigate to the back cabin. The unusual gem sits on a small table or desk near the captain’s bunk. The ship is small, so once you’re inside, the stone is easy to spot.

Tips for Efficiently Collecting All Stones of Barenziah

Using Quest Markers and Mods

The vanilla game doesn’t provide quest markers for the Stones of Barenziah, which is half the reason the quest is so infamous. If you’re playing on PC, several mods add markers to make the hunt less painful:

• Stones of Barenziah Quest Markers (available on Nexus Mods) adds map markers for all 24 stones.
• Quest Debugger can help if a stone glitches or doesn’t appear.

On console (Xbox, PlayStation), mods are more limited, but similar “quest marker” mods exist in the mod library for Special Edition and Anniversary Edition. Check the most popular utility mods under the “Quest” category.

If you’re playing unmodded and want the authentic pain, keep a checklist handy (like this guide) and cross off stones as you collect them. The quest journal won’t help you track individual stones.

Best Order to Collect the Stones

There’s no “required” order, but here’s a route that minimizes backtracking:

1. Early game (Level 1-15): Grab stones in Whiterun (Dragonsreach, Jorrvaskr) and Riften (Mistveil Keep) while you’re doing early faction and main quests.
2. Mid game (Level 15-30): Join the Thieves Guild to unlock Vex’s dialogue, then tackle College of Winterhold (Arch-Mage’s Quarters) and the Dark Brotherhood (Sanctuary).
3. Late game (Level 30+): Hit the remote dungeons (Yngvild, Stony Creek Cave, Dead Crone Rock, Sunderstone Gorge) and the Thalmor Embassy during “Diplomatic Immunity.”
4. Player homes and keeps: Save Proudspire Manor and Jarl quarters for when you have the gold or the sneak skills to grab them without heat.

Don’t sleep on the Thalmor Embassy stone, it’s the only one that becomes (effectively) missable if you don’t grab it during the main quest.

What to Do After Finding All 24 Stones

Once you’ve collected all 24 unusual gems, return to Vex in the Ragged Flagon beneath Riften. She’ll take the stones, restore the Crown of Barenziah, and immediately grant you the Prowler’s Profit perk.

From that point forward, every loot container in Skyrim, chests, urns, draugr corpses, burial urns, anything with a loot table, has a vastly increased chance of containing multiple gems. You’ll start finding 3-7 gems per container in many cases, and high-level dungeons become gem farms.

Best ways to capitalize on Prowler’s Profit:

• Jewelry crafting: Level Smithing by crafting gold and silver rings and necklaces. With an endless gem supply, you can craft enchanted jewelry for huge XP and sell them for profit.
• Gold farming: Gems sell for solid prices. Flawless diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires can net you hundreds of gold each.
• Transmute farming: Combine the Transmute spell (turns iron ore into silver, then gold) with your gem stockpile to craft gold diamond necklaces, one of the highest-value craftable items in the game.

The Crown of Barenziah itself is added to the Thieves Guild trophy case in the Ragged Flagon Cistern. You can’t wear it or take it, but it’s a nice piece of decoration and a tangible reminder of the hours you spent hunting down every last unusual gem.

If you’re achievement hunting, completing “No Stone Unturned” doesn’t grant a separate achievement, but it’s one of the longest and most involved miscellaneous quests in the game, and one of the most rewarding in terms of long-term benefits.

Conclusion

Tracking down all 24 Stones of Barenziah is a test of patience, thoroughness, and your willingness to pick every lock in Skyrim. But the payoff, Prowler’s Profit, turns every dungeon crawl into a gem-mining expedition and keeps your pockets heavy with sellable loot for the rest of the playthrough.

Whether you’re using quest markers, mods, or brute-force exploration, this guide covers every skyrim unusual gem location across the nine holds and beyond. Mark off each stone as you collect it, don’t skip the Thalmor Embassy, and remember: Vex is waiting in the Ragged Flagon to turn those unusual gems into one of the game’s best passive perks.