Couple of Archer Questions

Destrukt - Heavens Tear

Just started a couple of days ago and getting the hang of most of the concepts in the game but had a couple of questions if anyone can help (nevermore? lol):

btw, full dex char, looking to make a VERY good archer.

1.) is zen worth getting for an archer? i was thinking about investing about $40+ worth (4000 zen) thinking i can dramatically improve my character, but i have yet to see anything where zen plays a truly beneficial role for my char (besides buying scrolls, charms, mounts, making your character look nice, etc. @ the boutique). I guess what I'm really asking is what can I do with a large amount of zen for an archer? can i get weapons, equipment, or a large amount of gold for it?

2.) i believe this was in another post about what to put into the sockets of archer weaps/armor. so garnet shards in my weapons and +HP gems in my armor. what is the highest quality garnet shard available? what are the +HP gems called and what is the best +HP gem available that one can get?

sorry for the questions within questions but i really just want a good archer! b:laugh