Primo Japan Inc. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Naoki Sawano), operator of Japan’s largest chain of bridal ring specialty shops, announces the release of the Pt “Baily’s Beads” 18 LD commemorative wedding ring on April 28, 2012 (Saturday). Created in celebration of the annular solar eclipse, which will traverse Japan on May 21, 2012, this commemorative model is based on the “Baily’s Beads” wedding ring model released in 2009.

■Original “Baily’s Beads” Wedding Rings released in 2009 for ladies (lower left) and for men (right)
■2012 Pt “Baily’s Beads” 18 LD Commemorative Model for ladies (upper left)

 

Baily’s Beads are a phenomenon seen in an annular solar eclipse or a total eclipse. Named for astronomer Francis Baily, who observed the phenomenon, they are a string of bright “beads” running along the lunar disc. They are visible when a thin crescent of sunlight shines between the moon’s rugged limb. The “Baily’s Beads” wedding rings that debuted in 2009 were so named because the pink-gold milgrain edges of the rings resembled Baily’s Beads.

 

The new Commemorative Model features 18 diamonds to signify eternity. Approximately every 18 years, the Sun, Earth and Moon return to approximately the same positions relative to each other, and another eclipse of almost the same circumstances will occur and be observable from somewhere else on the Earth. This 18-year cycle is known as a saros. For instance, one saros (18 years) after the annular solar eclipse visible from many parts in Japan in May 2012, another, nearly identical annular solar eclipse will be observable in June 2030 in Hokkaido. The partial eclipse predicted for October 2014 across Siberia and North America will recur in November 2032 and traverse the Eurasian Continent.

 

The 18 melee diamonds set on the Pt “Baily’s Beads” 18 LD Commemorative Model are inspired by the saros. They are embedded with Primo’s wish that the owner of the ring will relive the happiness she felt on her wedding day and deepen her bond with her partner every 18 years.

 

■Product Overview

Product Name:	Pt “Baily’s Beads” 18LD
Price:	￥117,000 (lady’s model)
Material and Gem Used:	Platinum 900 and diamonds
Released Date:	April 28, 2012 (Saturday)
On sale at 58 I-PRIMO bridal ring specialty shops across Japan