Gemstone Counter Dice vs Metal 7-Piece Sets: Which to Buy?

Quick answer

Choose gemstone counter dice if you track resources, health, or tokens and want a tactile, one-of-a-kind accessory. Choose a hollow metal 7-piece set if you need a full polyhedral set for rolling and prefer the weight of metal without a solid-core feel.

What each set actually does at the table

Gemstone counter dice are designed for tracking values, not for standard attack rolls. The 8-piece set format and the natural variation in each die make them a functional accessory for games that use counters, tokens, or dials. A hollow metal 7-piece set, by contrast, covers the standard polyhedral spread you need for most dice-based RPGs, with the hollow construction giving it a different weight and feel than solid metal.

The trade-off is focus versus coverage. Counter dice do one job very well but won't replace your d20. A 7-piece set covers the full range of rolls but doesn't solve resource tracking any better than a pencil and paper.

Material and uniqueness trade-offs

Gemstone sets are handcrafted from natural elements, so each die is unique and may show striations or variations from the product images. That's a feature if you want a set that feels personal, but it means you can't expect a perfectly uniform look across every die. Hollow metal sets are manufactured to a consistent design, so what you see is what you get across the set.

If matching aesthetics across the whole table matters to you, metal is the safer bet. If you enjoy the idea that no one else has exactly your set, gemstone is the more interesting choice.

Weight, feel, and handling

The gemstone set is described as having a hefty feel, which suits it to sitting on the table as a counter rather than being rolled repeatedly. Hollow metal dice are lighter than solid metal but still give a metal clink and a satisfying roll. Neither set is specified as suitable for rough handling, so treat both as table accessories rather than dice to toss across a room.

Key trade-offs to weigh

• Function: Counter dice track values; a 7-piece set covers standard rolls. If you need both, you'll likely want both. Decide whether you're buying a tracking tool or a rolling set.
• Consistency: Gemstone dice vary by nature; metal sets are uniform. Choose gemstone for uniqueness, metal for a matched look. If visible variation bothers you, pick metal.
• Feel: Gemstone has a hefty, static feel; hollow metal is lighter than solid metal but still metallic. Neither is specified for rough handling. Handle both as table accessories, not as heavy-duty dice.

Product facts

• Old School Dice: Hollow Metal 7-Piece Set - All Seeing Eye: Hollow metal 7-piece set with an All-Seeing Eye design. Gives you a full polyhedral set in a hollow metal build that is lighter than solid metal.

  

• Old School Dice: Gemstone +/- Counter Dice: 8-piece gemstone set, handcrafted and checked for quality, with natural variations. Each die is unique, so expect slight differences in appearance from the images and from die to die.

  

Who should buy which

Best for

• Players who track resources, health, or tokens and want a distinctive counter set
• Gamers who value one-of-a-kind natural materials over uniform appearance

Not for

• Players who need a complete polyhedral set for standard rolls
• Buyers who want every die to look identical