Few days before the coronation of the new Miss Universe, the new crown created and designed by Diamonds International Corporation (D.I.C) was unveiled in front of the entertainment press who are covering the pageant in Doral Miami in Florida together with the 88 candidates hoping to wear it in the end of the competition that will happen on January 25 (Jan.26 Manila time). The new crown that weighs 411 grams that has estimated value of $300, 000 has 33 natural translucent and colorless Bohemian crystals, cut, polished and metalized on the rear side to enhance light reflection. It was adorned with 5 large light blue topaz stones, symbolizing strength and loyalty, each weighing 18.6 karats and 198 dark blue sapphire stones, symbolizing faith and wisdom weighing a total of 29.7 karats.
The crown also has 311 small polished diamonds, weighing a total of 10.37 karats and the base consists of 18-karat white gold strip that is 2 cm tall, 0.5 mm thick weighing 220 grams. The case was made of highest quality Italian leather for safe keeping until the first owner will be announced.
The crown of Miss Universe and other beauty pageant became not only the symbol of triumph as they emerge as the winner but also the duty that they will possess once it was handed to them. Here are the rundown of the earlier designs of crowns that Miss Universe title holders carry in their head from the time it was handed to them, during their official duties and until they pass it to others.
- The Romanoff Crown – This was the first crown of the Miss Universe and it was firstly handed to Armi Kuusela of Finland as the first titleholder in 1952. It was once belonged to the Russian czar and chas1, 529 flawless diamonds with a combined weight of 300 karats. At the time it was insured for half-a-million dollars. Pieper Laurie at the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium in Long Beach, California, gave USA the crown to her. Armi resigned before her reign ended and married to a Filipino businessman Virgilio Hilario.
- The Christiane Martel Crown – Named from the 2nd titleholder of Miss Universe Christiane Martel of France, the crown was given to her in 1953. It was made from metallic bronze. Because Armi resigned before the passing of the crown, actress Julie Adams crowned Martel at the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium, Long Beach, California, USA.
- The “Star of the Universe” Crown – Are you asking why you hear the line “Star of the Universe” in the promo TV commercial of Miss Universe pageant? Its because of the 3rd crown that was used in the competition that was wore by the Miss Universe titleholders from 1954 to 1960 namely Miriam Stevenson (USA), Hillevi Rombin (Sweden), Carol Morris (USA), Gladys Zender (Peru), Luz Marina Zuluaga (Columbia), Akiko Kojima (Japan) and Linda Bement (USA). The crown has1, 000 Oriental cultured and black pearls set in solid gold and platinum frame and weight 1.25 pounds. It has a star in the center.
- The 10th Anniversary Crown – It is the first rhinestone crown of the Miss Universe Pageant in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Miss Universe. Owners of the crown include Marlene Schmidt of Germany in 1961 and her successor Norma Nolan of Argentina in 1962.
- The Queen or Lady Crown – This was the most popular and recognizable crown in Miss Universe. It was a rhinestone crown was designed with the symbol of the Miss Universe Organization on top; a woman stands holding a scepter. Ieda Maria Vargas of Brazil first wore it in 1963 until 1969 titleholder Gloria Diaz of the Philippines. In 1970 the organization designed a new crown with a slightly different design and has extended wings. It was first given to Marisol Malaret of Puerto Rico until Margarita Moran in 1973 of the Philippines. Amparo Muñoz of Spain wore the third improved design of the crown in 1974 until 2001 by Denise Quiñones of Russia.
- Miss Universe Crown and Tiara – The crown was designed and made by Mikimoto in celebration of the 50 years celebration of Miss Universe. It has intricate design depicts the ancient symbol of the phoenix rising, which signifies status, power and the vision of great beauty. With over dazzling diamonds weighing nearly 18 carats, and 120 handpicked white South Sea and Akoya cultured pearls. The first person that wore the crown as the winner of Miss Universe 2002 from Russia but because of the pregnancy rumor she denied and later she had declined to perform her duties because she was so insulted by her treatment on The Howard Stern Show. The crown was passed on to Panama’s Justine Pasek who was the 1st runner-up that time. Riyo Mori of Japan was the last titleholder who wore the crown.
- The Vietnamese Miss Universe Crown – Dayana Mendoza of Spain first and last person who wore it in 2008. It was created and designed by CAO Fine Jewelry, a line of the renowned Phu Nhuan Jewelry (PNJ a company in Vietnam. It was made of 18K white and yellow gold. It is comprised of over 1,000 precious stones; including 555 white diamonds (30 carats), 375 cognac diamonds (14 carats), 10 smoky quartz crystals (20 carats) and 19 morganite gemstones (60 carats). The colors; yellow luster of the gold represents the prosperous thriving economy in Vietnam. White, light pink and cognac are the main hues in the crown, which represent inspiration and feeling. Meanwhile the design also tells a meaning; curves of inlaid precious stones represent the strong development and potential of each country. The image of the crane (Lac Bird) symbolizes Vietnamese spirit and culture. The image of the heart represents unified breath, rhythm and vision, which are powerful internal forces that stress faith, hope and unity. The pageant happened in Vietnam.
- The Diamond Nexus Lab Crown or Peace Crown B – Stefania Fernandez of Venezuela was the first titleholder wore the crown in 2009. The crown has 1,371 gemstones, weighing a total of 416.09 carats (83.22 g) and 544.31 grams of 14k and 18k white gold as well as platinum. The crown was created by Diamond Nexus Lab and selected through voting by the supporters of Miss Universe in different countries. Stefanía Fernández (Venezuela), Ximena Navarrete (Mexico), Leila Lopes (Angola), and Olivia Culpo (USA) worn the crown. Gabriela Isler of Venezuela was the last person to wear to crown and she will pass the new crown to the new winner of Miss Universe in the Florida International University (FIU) in Doral Miami Florida.
D.I.C created 2 more crowns that the Teen USA and Miss USA will be wearing this year in the competition.
