The moment something that could alter the generation appeared, only a rare few individuals would be aware of the significance at the first notice.
As such, only when Gawain said "106 Grade 2 Beyonders" did Amber, Jenni, and Rebecca suddenly become aware of the significance of this unassuming vambrace.
There were tools and equipment in this world that could release magic, but those were life-saving or support-type magical tools that Mages would bring along habitually. Examples would be various types of talismans that could release protective spells or rings and books that could allow a faster spellcast. But all these tools had two traits: firstly, only a 'Beyonder' with magic could use them; secondly, they were so expensive that minor noble clans would flinch.
