I recently came back from a very long break yesterday and I noticed there aren't anymore fire gems.

Instead there's this jewel system. It looks alright.

But I haven't picked up any new fire essences since playing.

Also what are these crafting proces in auc??? 70k for Fire Gems, weak versions these new jewels also cost 70k a pop, WHAT?

Does essences not drop anymore? Is that why these are so expensive?

Can these jewels become grand?