1. Get a gem.
2. Get a Crappy weapon.
3. Have a Friend close.
4. Open up a Trade Window with him.
5. Put the gem in the weapon.
6. While the craft time is in progress quickly add the gem to the trade, and accept the trade.
This way your gem will go in the socket and to your friend aswell!
You get to keep the gem and get the stats on the item.