The Animal Jam universe features a recurring collection of items centered around both birthstones and birth flowers, released seasonally to its players. This article will detail the Animal Jam Birthstones Collection, exploring its introduction, the gemstones included, their availability, and its relationship to the similar Birth Flowers Collection. The information presented is based solely on the provided sources and focuses on the in-game implementation of these items.
Introduction
Within the virtual world of Animal Jam, players can acquire a series of collectible den items known as the Birthstones Collection. Introduced in early 2013, this set comprises twelve unique gemstones, each representing a month of the year. These items are exclusively available to members of Animal Jam and are released on a monthly rotation, appearing on the first day of each month and remaining available until the end of that month. The collection is complemented by a year-round display shelf available at Epic Wonders, providing a dedicated space for showcasing the acquired gemstones. The Birthstones Collection shares a similar structure and seasonal release pattern with the Birth Flowers Collection, introduced in 2015.
History and Implementation
The Birthstones Collection was first announced in Jamaa Journal Volume 78. Its creation reflects a desire to offer seasonally rotating content to engaged players. The concept is mirrored in the Birth Flowers Collection, suggesting a deliberate design choice to provide players with ongoing collectible opportunities tied to the calendar year. The release schedule is consistent, with each month’s gemstone becoming available at the beginning of the corresponding month and disappearing at month’s end. This predictable pattern encourages players to regularly check the in-game shops for the latest addition to the collection.
The Gemstones of the Collection
The Birthstones Collection consists of twelve distinct gemstones, each associated with a specific month. The following table details the gemstones and their corresponding months, as presented in the provided sources:
| Birthstone | Month |
|---|---|
| Garnet | January |
| Amethyst | February |
| Aquamarine | March |
| Diamond | April |
| Emerald | May |
| Pearl | June |
| Ruby | July |
| Peridot | August |
| Sapphire | September |
| Opal | October |
| Topaz | November |
| Turquoise | December |
Each gemstone within the collection is designed as a den item, inlaid in a gold-like metal and possessing a sparkling quality. The sources indicate that the gemstones are relatively small in size, but visually distinct from one another.
Membership and Cost
Access to the Birthstones Collection is restricted to members of Animal Jam. This exclusivity adds value to the membership and incentivizes players to subscribe to gain access to these collectible items. Each birthstone is priced at 1,500 Gems, the in-game currency. This cost is consistent across all twelve gemstones, making the collection accessible to all members willing to invest the necessary Gems.
Comparison to the Birth Flowers Collection
The Birthstones Collection is explicitly described as being similar to the Birth Flowers Collection. Both sets are released seasonally, with items available for purchase during their corresponding months. The Birth Flowers Collection, introduced in 2015, also features both non-member and member-only options. Non-member flowers cost 350 Gems, while member-only bouquets cost 700 Gems. This pricing structure differs from the exclusively member-based Birthstones Collection. The sources note a brief period in June 2020 and January 2021 where no birth flower was available, suggesting occasional disruptions to the regular release schedule, a pattern not mentioned for the Birthstones Collection.
Additional Context from Jamaa Journal
The provided sources include references to Jamaa Journal, the in-game newsletter for Animal Jam. Volume 78 announced the initial release of the Birthstones Collection. Other entries mention updates to the game, such as new animal releases (Polar Arctic Foxes) and promotional bundles (World Oceans Bundle). While these entries do not directly relate to the Birthstones Collection, they demonstrate the ongoing development and content updates within Animal Jam, providing context for the introduction and maintenance of features like the seasonal birthstone releases.
World Oceans Bundle and Community Events
One source briefly mentions the World Oceans Bundle, available with a new membership in June 2019. This bundle included ocean-themed animals, pets, and dens, alongside underwater-themed items. While not directly related to the Birthstones Collection, it highlights Animal Jam’s practice of offering themed bundles alongside its regular content releases, potentially influencing player engagement and spending. The source also references World Oceans Day and encourages players to participate in related activities within the game, demonstrating the platform’s engagement with real-world events.
Conclusion
The Animal Jam Birthstones Collection represents a successful implementation of seasonal content designed to engage members and encourage ongoing participation within the virtual world. The collection’s consistent release schedule, exclusive membership access, and visually appealing gemstone designs contribute to its popularity. Its similarity to the Birth Flowers Collection demonstrates a deliberate strategy of offering recurring, collectible items tied to the calendar year. The provided sources, while limited in scope, offer a clear overview of the collection’s introduction, structure, and place within the broader Animal Jam ecosystem.