### **Item Summary: Artisanal Gears** Artisanal Gears are a niche consumable utility item in RuneScape 3 tied to the Mining & Smithing skill, specifically used within the mechanics of skilling efficiency. Released as part of the **Mining Workshop Update** in mid-2023, the item was introduced to create value for skill-centric inventories while adding a minor gameplay customization layer for skilling buffs. Artisanal Gears are tradeable, but their demand is tied to highly engaged skilling accounts and players pursuing profitability during Mining & Smithing training. Although they were semi-common upon release due to their availability from certain Treasure Hunter promotions and skilling minigames, their **supply has dried up steadily due to a lack of permanent earning methods**. This loss of consistent supply results in periods of volatile price swings based on updates impacting skill economies and Treasure Hunter introductions. ### **Release Date & Rarity** - **Release Date:** **2023-06-01** with a promotion tied to Treasure Hunter during the Mining Workshop Update. - **Rarity:** Moderately scarce as of 2024 due to limited acquisition methods post-related promotions. Rarity specifically spikes during Treasure Hunter dry periods as no consistent monster drop, skilling product, or direct shop introduces it. ### **Price Analysis & Historical Events** Below is an interpretation of Artisanal Gears' price trajectory and impactful events: 1. **Peak at 1,000 GP (June 2023):** Upon release, demand surged as skilling-focused players acquired them and a Treasure Hunter promo flooded the supply. The item quickly settled near maximum prices as the promo ended. 2. **Decline to ~756 GP (Post-Treasure Hunter Surge, mid-2023):** Supply glut collapsed following Treasure Hunter shutdowns, but later updates (such as Necromancy and combat level updates) shifted player focus away from skilling, causing demand to dwindle slightly. 3. **Drop to ~444-505 GP (Q1 2024):** Price decay occurred throughout Q1 2024 as the Hero Pass backlash, high player base volatility, and a Mining & Smithing rework (August 2024) caused market confusion. The threat of continual GP injection (March/April 2024) further demoralized economic stability. The **most recent price dip to 423 GP (March 30, 2024)** aligns with two triggers: - **March 2024 combat update distraction:** Combat gear + players engaging in newly reworked PvM systems. - **Gold flooding (April 2024 Treasure Hunter changes):** Jagex added vanity rewards and GP rewards which create high inflation fears. ### **Price Prediction** - **Short-term (~May-July 2024):** Prices are projected to **stabilize ~450–500 GP** as the Mining & Smithing rework (August 2024) re-centers demand on skilling consumables. Early skilling demand pre-update could push up prices modestly; watch for Treasure Hunter events re-releasing the item. - **Mid-term (~August-December 2024):** Expect a spike **550–700 GP** after the August rework, as post-rework curiosity drives revitalized skilling along with patch-related inefficiencies or players optimizing training. Historical similarity would suggest small corrections post-major skill reworks. - **Long-term (~2025):** Sustained rarity (lack of new sources) could see **800–1,000 GP return levels** if players demand consumables amidst Treasure Hunter focus-tenure gaps or broader gold sinks address inflation indirectly. ### **Flipping Margins** Artisanal Gears are attractive for small-scale time-sensitive flips: - **Typical margin (passive flipping):** ~10–15% per firm hold under 1 week. Buy below the range of 400 GP and resell during rhythm skilling demand upticks. - **Event opportunity margin (after reworks/releases):** ~20–50% during major skill update cycles. - **Risk zone:** Avoid flipping during periods of Treasure Hunter-item overlap (e.g., Jagex silently reintroduces promotional Treasure Hunter stocks). Experienced merchants may also consider merging management risks across G.E Day traders violent faster-moving exploiting shortholding. ---