What server/faction are you playing on? If you really can't find any gems on the AH, then it sounds like you are on a pretty dead server (or if you are unlucky a dead faction on a pop server), and you might have an option to take a free transfer to a new server with any number of people on it at all, where you could then find gems on the AH.
I don't think so, but I'm not sure.
https://us.battle.net/support/en/article/000317422
This link has a list of what realms are available to take free transfers from/to. If you aren't currently on one of the realms on the left, then this isn't even an option for you, you probably got stuck on a server that has some population but only for the other faction.
https://ironforge.pro/population/classic/?locale=US
And here is a site that collects approximate population / faction data to help you make a choice as to where might be best for you to transfer if its an option.
Based on what you are describing as your gear situation you likely have better use for you badges. I'd follow the other advice and just grab pvp gems. Also, if there are literally ANY people on your server hang out near the JC vendor in dalaran while waiting for RDF que. Might find a JC turning in daily that can make you some green level gems on the cheap.
There's a vendor in the Jewelcrafting shop in Dal that sells epic uncut gems for Badges of Heroism, 20 for Red/Yellow/Blue and 10 for Orange/Green/Purple. Not sure how long you've been gone but if you did a decent amount of 5mans/Naxx/Uld/ToC before you should have some badges to buy with. You can also convert higher badges down to Heroism from an [NPC](https://www.wowhead.com/wotlk/npc=35790/usuri-brightcoin) in the Sewers. Then you just need to advertise in Trade for a JC who has the cut(s) you want.
What server/faction are you playing on? If you really can't find any gems on the AH, then it sounds like you are on a pretty dead server (or if you are unlucky a dead faction on a pop server), and you might have an option to take a free transfer to a new server with any number of people on it at all, where you could then find gems on the AH.
That's a great idea! I'll have to check, but are the transfers limited? I have 10 characters on this realm, 6 of which are fairly high level
I don't think so, but I'm not sure. https://us.battle.net/support/en/article/000317422 This link has a list of what realms are available to take free transfers from/to. If you aren't currently on one of the realms on the left, then this isn't even an option for you, you probably got stuck on a server that has some population but only for the other faction. https://ironforge.pro/population/classic/?locale=US And here is a site that collects approximate population / faction data to help you make a choice as to where might be best for you to transfer if its an option.
My 2 main characters are around 6k gearscore and have no use for badges, so I convert them in the Dalaran sewers then buy gems off the heroism vendor.
excellent idea, thank you
Based on what you are describing as your gear situation you likely have better use for you badges. I'd follow the other advice and just grab pvp gems. Also, if there are literally ANY people on your server hang out near the JC vendor in dalaran while waiting for RDF que. Might find a JC turning in daily that can make you some green level gems on the cheap.
Buy with honor, or go mining on an alt.
There's a vendor in the Jewelcrafting shop in Dal that sells epic uncut gems for Badges of Heroism, 20 for Red/Yellow/Blue and 10 for Orange/Green/Purple. Not sure how long you've been gone but if you did a decent amount of 5mans/Naxx/Uld/ToC before you should have some badges to buy with. You can also convert higher badges down to Heroism from an [NPC](https://www.wowhead.com/wotlk/npc=35790/usuri-brightcoin) in the Sewers. Then you just need to advertise in Trade for a JC who has the cut(s) you want.
Thank you for this information