A small ring gifted from parent to child. In this second part, we talk about the package that welcomes that ring. We aimed for a presence that gently brings a family’s time to life the moment it is held.
Packed with cherished family memories
As we moved forward with the baby ring design, we asked customers to take a survey, and many told us, “We’d love it if we could engrave the birth time, height, and weight.” For mothers, these numbers are not just information; they are precious memories themselves, and it was rewarding to be reminded of that.
One of the first things we considered was engraving a baby ring. Because the ring is very small, the number of characters that can be engraved is limited. That led us to the idea of delivering it as a set with a commemorative plate engraved with numbers related to the baby. This was the beginning of cobaco for baby's original plate.
If we could, we wanted it to be something that feels even closer to a family’s heart. With that in mind, we decided to add a stone in the birth-month color. The shape we had been looking for gradually began to take form.
Inspired by European crayon boxes
Next is the box that holds the baby ring.Our inspiration came from European crayon boxes. The sliding lid is easy for children to open, and has a certain innocent charm.
We chose paulownia for the material. It stands up well to temperature and humidity, and also offers excellent insect-resistant and antibacterial properties. Because it is also used to store umbilical cords, it helps protect treasured keepsakes for a long time, alongside family memories.
For the backing sheet that holds the ring and plate, we used u-p, a flocked paper made by applying rayon fibers to thick paper. It has a soft, pleasant feel, like touching a baby’s cheek.
*Since May 2021, we have used a more skin-friendly suede-like fabric.
We slipped a message card beneath the backing sheet. The illustration was created by animation artist Shun Wada, who also worked on the AC Japan commercial “Kindness Spreads Through Imagination.”Shun WadaCreated by . The baby's outline is shaped like the “c” in cobaco.
A message card where you can write down your hopes for the baby ring and your feelings for your child. We hope that when you read it again someday with your child, the scenery and feelings of that time will quietly come back to you.
Wishing with a series of small circles
At last, the baby ring and mother ring were complete. The baby ring in the "dots" series features a design formed by a chain of small circles.
From the birth of one person, new connections are created and family time continues to overlap. Those invisible bonds are expressed as a series of small circles.
At the top, we set one birthstone of about 2 mm in diameter.
The mother ring was given substantial thickness and strength so it could fit into everyday life. To keep the prongs from touching the skin when lifting a child, we used a technique called "fusekomi." Like a wedding ring, we wanted it to be something you can wear every day without a second thought.
A design that is easy to give, regardless of gender
After the launch of the "dots" series, we created the "matte" series from a desire for a design that is easy to choose regardless of gender. It features a matte texture and flat form, giving it a calm, refined look. While keeping the wish for a child’s happiness at its core, it has become a lineup that can fit a wider range of family stories.
Bringing family bonds together in one box
Set example for the "dots" series
Set example for the "matte" series (*This baby ring design is no longer sold.)
To finish, we wrap the paulownia box in a belly band printed with a baby illustration and tie it with a ribbon before delivering it to you.
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In this column, we covered the behind-the-scenes story of making baby rings across both the first and second parts.
From the time the baby ring arrives, to the moment the package is opened, to the time it is worn, and until the day it is handed down someday—we hope it helps weave together the many bonds within different families.
