Looking to add a Gold Gem skin pattern to your knife but not sure which one to go for? Then look no further. Here, we bring you all the best Gold Gem patterns for CS2 and everything you need to know about them, so you can make the best decision for you… and your knife!
About Gold Gem Knife Patterns
There are hundreds of skin patterns out there for CS2 weaponry, but one of the most popular with players and collectors is the Case Hardened finish, which was first introduced to the game along with the Arms Deal update in 2013… and they are particularly popular for knives.
The finish of the knife comprises of various mottled colors including gray, blue and gold with a few flecks of purple thrown in… all of which are thrown onto the blade of the knife randomly, depending on the pattern number.
There can be literally thousands of different variations of the skin – with the most popular being the Blue Gem Case Hardened skins – where practically the whole blade of the knife is covered in the blue color – the most sought-after color of all
Then, there are the Gold Gems – the complete opposite end of the spectrum, which have the majority of their blades covered in gold rather than blue. However, because there are only limited quantities of gold on the sheet, the blade tends to be a mix of gold gray… the more gold the better. Whilst these are still unique and highly collectable, they’re not quite in the same league as Blue Gems… but they can still be worth a fair bit of money on the collector’s market.
If you are on the hunt for one, here we’re going to list out all the Gold Gem patterns for all the different knives – so you know what seed to look out for…
The Best Case Hardened Gold Gems for Knives
So, with all that being said, here’s our list of the best Case Hardened knife skins in CS2, what they look like and the Gold Gem seed patterns to go for:
Navaja Knife
Some might say that the Navaja knife isn’t the most attractive to look at… but why not add a bit of appeal to it with a Gold Gem skin? If you want to add the best pattern to your knife, then look out for pattern number 36 – which not only covers all of the blade but also the metal part connecting it to the handle.
- Seed Number: 36
Falchion Knife
Next, we have the Falchion Knife which is starting to get more and more popular in the world of CS2 – probably because of its new reimagining thanks to the new Source 2 engine. This is a really decent knife – and it has a properly cool equip animation which adds to its appeal. What’s more, if you are looking for a Gold Gem skin, then the ones for these knives are some of the most affordable out there… and you can get the best ones in seed numbers 926, 279 and 386.
- Seed Numbers: 926, 279 and 386
Bowie Knife
Then there’s the Bowie knife, which is considered to be a low to mid-tier knife and is a big hit with CS2 players thanks to its huge blade… which looks awesome with some of the patterns out there.
That being said, when it comes to Case Hardened skins, the size of the blade is more a hindrance than a help… and we haven’t yet found a way to get either a complete Glue Gem or Gold Gem for it. However, there are some that are pretty close, including seed numbers 113 and 599.
- Seed Numbers: 133 and 599
Gut Knife
This is one of the most unpopular lower-tiered knives out there… which is precisely why the Gut Knife is the third cheapest Case Hardened knife… coming just after the Navara and Shadow Daggers.
If you don’t mind that it’s not the best-looking knife – and you simply want a cost-effective Gold Gem, then look out for the seed pattern 837.
- Seed Pattern: 837
The Classic Knife
This knife is a mid-tier knife – and if you’re looking for a case-hardened finish, you won’t have to spend too much money on it. One of the reasons we’re a fan of this knife is because float values don’t actually have any effect on the wear levels… so even if you do opt for a lower float level, you won’t see any surface scratches… and with Case Hardened finishes, there won’t be any noticeable darkening either.
- Seed Patterns: 943 and 527
Flip Knife
This one is a pretty solid mid-tier knife and well worth getting for several reasons – including the fact that the Gold Gem variant for this knife is, in our opinion, one of the best Gold Gem variants out there. What’s more, it looks even better since the Source 2 engine was thrown into the mix. If you don’t have the budget for some of the higher-tier knives, then we’d definitely go for this one… with the Gold Gem pattern number 731!
- Seed Pattern: 731
Huntsman Knife
In our opinion… and in the opinion of many players out there, this is one of the most underrated knives in Counter-Strike. It may not have excellent equip animation, but it more than makes up for it by the overall design quality of the knife’s blade – which for that reason alone makes it one of the top mid-level knives out there.
However, like the Bowie Knife, this is a pretty big weapon – which means that getting a true Gold Gem or Blue gem for it is practically impossible. However, the closest thing to perfect Gold Gems in this case are seed patterns 759 and 41.
- Seed Pattern: 759 and 41
Survival Knife
This knife is one of the most recent weapon additions to Counter-Strike 2… and it’s perfect for those who have a bit of a tighter budget. When you look at it, it looks a bit like a new and improved version of the Gut Knife – but with a hook shape at the top of the knife blade, with round edges that have become more faceted.
- Seed Patterns: 159 and 927
Paracord Knife
Are you looking for a more understated design? Then you’ll definitely want to check out the Paracord Knife, with its clean, simple and super-sharp razor-like blade… and a handle that’s covered in black paracord. If you’re looking for a great Gold Gem variant for the knife, then check out pattern number 521.
- Seed Pattern: 521
Ursus Knife
If you’re looking for a knife that looks sleek, modern and minimalist, then the Ursus Knife is one of our favorites. It has a long, slim blade with a faceted tip and a hefty-looking handle that looks as though it has a rubberized grip.
The good news is that getting the Ursus Knife in a Case Hardened finish isn’t that expensive, especially considering how popular it is. You can get hold of a Gold Gem pattern – seed number 425 – for a pretty reasonable price… if and when you can find it!
- Seed Number: 425
The Nomad Knife
This knife has been inspired by hunters and hunting… and it looks incredible and sleek. However, because it doesn’t have any good equip animations, it’s classified as a mid-tier knife.
That being said, the Gold Gem variant looks absolutely incredible on the Nomad’s small blade… and you can get some seriously decent Gold Gems in pattern numbers 39 and 912.
- Seed Numbers: 39 and 912
Stiletto Knife
This is the Counter-Strike version of the knives that are famously carried by the Italian Mafia as seen on TV and in movies. This knife is a more recent addition to CS2 – and has quickly become a hit with all different players – from the casual to the professionals. It has been beautifully designed and looks as though it’s made for high-class combat (if such a thing exists!) It looks even better with Gold Gem seed variants 268 and 895.
- Seed Number: 268 and 895
Bayonet
This was one of the first knives introduced with Counter-Strike 2… and it is considered to be one of the game’s highest-tier knives, although there are some who think it’s just a slightly lesser version of its big brother, the M9 Bayonet. The Bayonet has a slimmer blade and there is a higher variation of float values, which can affect how the knife looks… but if you go for a Gold Gem pattern on a Case Hardened finish, it’s going to look amazing no matter what. Go for seed numbers 359, 395 and 848 and you won’t be disappointed!
- Seed Patterns: 359, 395 and 848
Talon Knife
Next, we have a hugely popular knife that has been designed around the Karambit – although with a slightly bigger handle and blade… and its special, unique equip animations. There a variety of Gold Gem patterns for it and they come in three different categories:
- Category 1: The knife has a clean-looking play side with no blue specks at all.
- Category 2: The play side of the knife pattern has bright gold colors, but possibly with a few blue spots
- Category 3: The third category has a double-sided Gold Gem pattern – so most of the blade is covered in Gold – the backside and the play side.
- Seed Patterns
- Variant 1: 834 and 993
- Variant 2: 757, 802 and 851
- Variant 3: 119 and +95
Skeleton Knife
This one is another relatively recent addition to Counter-Strike – and it’s quickly become one of the most popular and top knives in the whale game… and is used by many of the top professional players. They look even more awesome in Gold Gem patterns like 914 and 943.
- Seed Patterns: 914 and 943
M9 Bayonet
Many would say that this knife is one of the very best in the game – and, as one of the first to be introduced, it has no shortage of fans. It might not come with any cool equip animations, but the design and stature of the weapon are enough – inspired by 1980 action heroes.
There are also some pretty cool Gold Gem patterns for it… for example, 471, 739 and 787 are better than the rest – although because it’s such a large blade, you should still expect to see a few blue spots.
- Seed Numbers: 471, 739 and 787
Karambit
Although the Butterfly knife usually tops the chart as the most popular out there, many still think that the Karambit knife is the best in the game. It also has Gold Gem patterns that are split into two different categories:
- Category 1 is the brightest-looking Gold Gem – which sometimes has some specks of blue in it.
- Category 2: The second category is the cleanest looking – with absolutely no blue coloring visible at all, although the gold isn’t quite as bright.
- Seed Numbers:
- Variant 1: 231 and 896
- Variant 2: 388 and 939
Shadow Dagger
Whilst we mention these knives… we appreciate that they aren’t the most attractive looking out there and definitely not the most popular. However, because there aren’t actually any Gold Gem patterns for them, you won’t need to worry about spending your money on it!
Butterfly Knife
The last on our list, but definitely not the least, is the Butterfly Knife, which is the most popular knife of all in CS2. This is the knife used pro players, influencers… and anyone who actually has enough money to buy it! The knife is in a league of its own!
However, because of the way in which the Case Hardened pattern transfers onto the blade of the knife, you’ll generally find that the quality of Gold Gems isn’t as good as some of the others out there. That being said, if you’re fine with that and still want a decent-quality pattern, then go for 75 and 599.
- Seed Patterns: 75 and 999
The Trading and Valuation of Gold Gem Knives
Because of their overall look and popularity, you’ll normally need to pay a premium price if you want to get your hands on a Gold Gem knife. Here are some of the main things that affect how valuable they are:
- The Pattern Index
Certain pattern indexes are considered to be the best Gold Gems – and this can have an effect on both their demand and their price. For example:
- Karambit Case Hardened Pattern 661: This one has a gorgeous full-gold blade… And is one of the most expensive Gold Gems out there.
- Butterfly Knife Case Hardened Pattern 269: This has a more balanced gold spread – which is one of the reasons so many people want it.
- The Type of Knife
There are some knives that are more valuable because they are a lot more popular with players… including:
- Karambit and Butterfly Knives: These knives are the ones you have to pay the most for… because they have excellent unique animations and they’re some of the most in demand weapons..
- Bayonet and M9 Bayonet: You’ll still have to pay a good price to get these… but not quite as much as Karambits and Butterflies.
- Wear Condition
The wear condition of a knife can not only have a big impact on how it looks… but also on how much it costs…
- Factory New (FN): These are the highest value ones out there that have no wear at all and the brightest gold colors.
- Minimal Wear (MW): These ones are still valuable – they do have some slight wear but it’s really hard to notice.
- Field-Tested (FT) and Below: These tend to be cheaper as they look like they’ve been around the block a few times.
- Market Trends
As is the case with any skin, the popularity – and the price of a Gold Gem depends on what the current market trends are and how many people are after them. Make sure you keep your ear to the ground to see the best time to buy (or sell) a Gold Gem.
How to Get a Gold Gem
Basically, there are three main ways that you can get your hands on a Gold Gem knife:
- By Opening Cases
First, you can open cases and try to get the Gold Gem finish that you’re after. However, the odds of you actually getting the Gold Gem pattern you want are insanely low as there are 1,000 possible pattern indexes per knife.
2. Trading
Trading is definitely the most reliable way to get the Gold Gem skin you’re after. However, make sure you only ever use trusted CS2 trading sites – and make sure you verify the pattern index before you make your trade.
3. Buy from a Marketplace
There are various third-party marketplaces that list Gold Gem knives, but you’ll need to be prepared to pay A LOT. Also, double-check that the seller is trustworthy and reputable and that the knife matches the description.
Top Tips for Gold Gem Collectors
Do Your Research: Make sure you know the various pattern indexes and what they are actually worth.
Inspect Them Thoroughly: You should always inspect the knife in-game before you go ahead and trade or buy it.
Join Communities: If you join in with forums and Discord groups, it’ll help you to stay more updated on all the recent market trends.
Be Patient: It can take a lot of time to find that perfect Gold Gem… but it’s well worth it.
Only Use Trusted Platforms: If you are buying from a trader or marketplace, do all your checks to make sure that it’s fair, trusted and not a scam.
The Most Memorable Gold Gem Sales
There’s no doubt that Gold Gems are commanding some pretty massive prices – and here are just three of the biggest Gold Gem sales… ever!
- Karambit Case Hardened Pattern #661: This pattern sold for over $100,000 because of its full-gold blade.
- Butterfly Knife Case Hardened Pattern #269: This one went on auction and got a massive $45,000 when the hammer came down.
- Bayonet Fade: This one went for no less than $20,000 – thanks to its bright shades of gold.
Gold Gem Knives: Conclusion
Gold Gem knife patterns definitely live up to their name…the crown jewels of CS2, that look incredible, are pretty rare and can reach some pretty massive market values.
They might not necessarily have reached quite the heights of the legendary Blue Gems – even though they look even better now thanks to the new Source 2 engine, but with that new and improved look, they’re definitely attracting a lot more attention.
Where you are a player, or someone simply looking to collect or invest, then Gold Gems are definitely going to be worth your while… and the best part – you can simply use this list to see what patterns to look out for, no matter what your knife or budget!
So, happy hunting – and have fun!