The Animal Jam Birthstone Collection is a set of members-only den items introduced in early 2013, offering a unique seasonal experience for players. This collection consists of twelve gemstones, each representing a month of the year, and a year-round display shelf available at Epic Wonders. The stones are inlaid in a gold-like metal and possess a sparkling quality, adding to their appeal within the virtual world. Each birthstone is individually available for 1,500 Gems, and is released on the first of its corresponding month, remaining available until the end of the month. This system mirrors a similar approach taken with the Birth Flowers Collection, creating a recurring cycle of collectible items.
History and Lore
The Birthstone Collection emerged within the Animal Jam universe in Jamaa Journal Volume 78, marking its initial announcement. While the concept of birthstones has ancient roots in astrology and tradition, the Animal Jam implementation is a more recent phenomenon, designed to enhance the game’s collectible aspects and provide a seasonal element for players. The collection’s structure, with a new stone appearing monthly, encourages consistent engagement and fosters a sense of anticipation among members. The collection is listed alongside other prominent item sets within Animal Jam, such as the Antique Collection, Aquatic Collection, and Birthday Blast Bundle, indicating its established position within the game’s economy and content offerings.
Gemstone Availability and Listing
The Animal Jam Birthstone Collection features a specific gemstone for each month of the year. The following list details the gemstones and their corresponding months, as presented within the available sources:
- January: Garnet Birthstone
- February: Amethyst Birthstone
- March: Aquamarine Birthstone
- April: Diamond Birthstone
- May: Emerald Birthstone
- June: Pearl Birthstone
- July: Ruby Birthstone
- August: Peridot Birthstone
- September: Sapphire Birthstone
- October: Opal Birthstone
- November: Topaz Birthstone
- December: Turquoise Birthstone
This consistent monthly release schedule is a defining characteristic of the collection, differentiating it from other item sets that may be available for longer or shorter periods.
Membership and Acquisition
Access to the Birthstone Collection is restricted to members of Animal Jam, a subscription-based service within the game. This exclusivity adds value to the gemstones, making them a desirable acquisition for dedicated players. Each individual birthstone is priced at 1,500 Gems, the in-game currency, requiring players to accumulate sufficient Gems through gameplay or purchase to obtain the stones. The availability of a year-round display shelf at Epic Wonders provides a dedicated space for showcasing the collected birthstones, further incentivizing players to complete the set.
Comparison to Other Collections
The Birthstone Collection shares similarities with other collectible sets within Animal Jam, notably the Birth Flowers Collection. Both collections operate on a seasonal release schedule, offering a new item each month. However, the Birthstone Collection focuses specifically on gemstones, while the Birth Flowers Collection features floral representations. The presence of both collections demonstrates Animal Jam’s commitment to providing diverse and engaging content for its members. The Freedom Collection, while distinct in theme (celebrating Freedom Day with red, white, and blue items), also shares the characteristic of seasonal availability and a focus on collectible items.
The Freedom Collection Overlap
Interestingly, the provided sources also detail the Freedom Collection, an unofficial set of items with a patriotic theme. While not directly related to birthstones, the Freedom Collection shares a commonality with the Birthstone Collection in that some items within it are members-only. Several items within the Freedom Collection, such as the Freedom Spring Flower Bracelet, Freedom Chicken Hat, Freedom Superhero Cape, Freedom Skull Necklace, Freedom Monkey Hat, Freedom Hood With Feather, Freedom Feather Earrings, Freedom Cat Hat, and Freedom Astronaut Helmet, are specifically designated as members-only, mirroring the exclusivity of the Birthstone Collection. This suggests a pattern within Animal Jam of reserving certain desirable items for its paying members.
Item Variety within the Freedom Collection
The Freedom Collection exhibits a wider range of item types, including headwear, capes, bracelets, wings, and masks. The sources indicate that not all items from the Freedom Collection return annually, suggesting a degree of variation in its availability. This contrasts with the consistent monthly release schedule of the Birthstone Collection, where each gemstone is expected to appear during its designated month. The Freedom Collection also includes items that are available to both members and non-members, further differentiating it from the exclusively members-only Birthstone Collection.
Limitations of Available Information
The provided sources are limited in scope, primarily focusing on the availability and acquisition of items within Animal Jam. They do not offer detailed information about the geological origins, gemological properties, or historical significance of the actual gemstones represented in the collection (garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, etc.). The sources are descriptive of the in-game items but lack scientific or historical context. Furthermore, the sources are specific to the Animal Jam platform and do not provide broader information about birthstones outside of this virtual environment.
Conclusion
The Animal Jam Birthstone Collection represents a unique and engaging feature within the game, offering players a seasonal opportunity to collect and display virtual gemstones. The collection’s monthly release schedule, members-only access, and dedicated display shelf contribute to its appeal and encourage consistent player engagement. While the provided sources lack detailed information about the gemstones themselves, they effectively illustrate the collection’s structure, availability, and position within the Animal Jam ecosystem. The comparison to other collections, such as the Birth Flowers and Freedom Collections, highlights Animal Jam’s commitment to providing diverse and collectible content for its members. The sources confirm the collection’s introduction in 2013 and its continued presence as a recurring event within the game.