What to do with astral gems?

[Huzurdaddi]

So there was a thread a little while ago about effective summons and I offered Ether Warriors, but some diagreed.

The thing is what the heck do people do with their astral gems, especially in the early game ( before turn 30 or so ).

I mean I just don't see much use other than ether warriors. There are a few items that are sort of nice: Pendant of Luck, Amulet of Antimagic, Spell Focus ( if you are into that kind of thing ), Banner of the Norther Star ( if you are into that kind of thing ), Starshine Cap, Lucky Coin, Herald Lance ( hmm never made one they look ok ... don't really know though ).

I mean what the heck are you supposed to spend these things on?