What is treasure/gems for?

[Prophet419]

Only been playing for a bit just made it through a few rooms in the cave descent before the highway. Is there any use for the Gold and valuable gems other than decoration? I figured there'd be an npc vendor but im also seeing other discussions about there not being ANY npcs

[Nuggzy]

Some of the gems are used in crafting, the gold coins are just treasure but they make a pile that will give you a buff once you have enough of them. And nope, no npcs to sell too.

[Kaery]

Some gems are used in crafting, some for runes, and some for coloring armor and shields.

[Final Cipher]

Treasure piles are a defensive feature, you fill them with gems and admire them when under siege. This gives you a buff that lasts only a short time, but will help you protect your base. More coins means bigger piles, and multiple piles at different outposts. You could also hypothetically carry the gold and gems with you as a sort of mobile reliquary, setting it up in a camp before running into a hostile area.

[Naustghoul]

It's so your dwarfs can look at it and sing "I feel pretty, oh so pretty..."

[Chaoslink]

Most gems like the citrine and amber you get from iron or coal are used in a few building recipes, but are mostly for dye when you eventually unlock that crafting station. Gold makes a pile that you can admire for a short damage buff.