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Miss Universe crowns over the years

Miss Universe crowns over the years

Miss Universe crowns over the years

On Monday, December 19, Miss Universe officially unveils its newest icon. Introducing the Force for Good’ crown, this ushers in a brand-new era for the pageant. The crown will make its debut at Miss Universe 2022 where the winner will be the first to wear it.

A symbol both for a pageant and its queens, a crown marks the realization of the responsibility that lies ahead. As the most coveted one in the world of pageantry, the Miss Universe crown might be seen as a luxury. However, with its ability to inspire many people all around the world, it is that power that makes the crown truly elusive.

In its 71-year history, Miss Universe has passed over at least 11 different types of crowns to different inspiring women. As we welcome the newest crown to its family, here’s a look at the evolution of the Miss Universe crowns.

Romanov Nuptial Crown

As the name suggest, the crown was worn during the marriage of Russian Empress Alexandra to Nicholas II in 1894. With its origin dating back to the time of Catherine the Great, the crown was a part of the imperial wedding regalia. The crown came along with a diamond studded kokoshnik (traditional headdress), long diamond earrings, a jeweled clasp for the robe, and heavy bracelets.

The orb-shaped crown features six silver bands with a cross in its pinnacle. It is also encrusted with approximately 1,535 old-mine diamonds.

Miss Universe crowns over the years

Crowing the inaugural winner of Miss Universe in 1952, it was worn by Armi Kuusela of Finland.

Metallic Bronze Crown

Also known as the ‘Christiane Martel‘ crown, it is named after Miss Universe 1953, Christiane Martel of France. Used only during that year, the crown was made by American silversmith, Allan Adler.

Miss Universe crowns over the years

The crown with its gold pearls and dangling star was designed to represent a geometric rendition of the planets. It is mostly remembered for its unique design and lack of crystals or rhinestones.

Star of the Universe Crown

Weighing 1.25 pounds due to its 1,000 black, and oriented pearls, it also has a star on the top which gave it its name. Insured at 500,000 dollars, the crown was only worn thrice during a year-long reign.

Appearing only during the Queen’s coronation, passing over the crown, and during their official photoshoot. The first crown to be used by more than one titleholder, it spans from 1954 to 1960.

10th anniversary crown

Also referred as The Rhinestone crown, the crown celebrates the Miss Universe’s decade long run. Completely bedazzled with rhinestones, a large piece is placed in the middle along with a star above it.

With its sole purpose to commemorate the pageant’s success over the years, only two title holders got the chance to wear the crown.

Sarah Coventry Crown

The beginning of what would be the longest serving crown in Miss Universe history, it came in two versions. Jewelry designer Sarah Coventry tweaked the rhinestone accents from the previous crown for the first design.

Replacing the star, she adds a female figure holding a scepter as its centerpiece. The original version was worn from 1963 to 1972.

Chandelier Crown

From 1970 to 1972, the Coventry crown had several alterations before settling into its final form in 1973. As the second version, it still bares the same design but was made to be more comfortable to wear.

Due to its longevity, the crown would become a favorite among pageant fans.

Phoenix Mikimoto Crown

Known simply as the Mikimoto Crown, it was designed by Japanese artisan Tomohiro Yamaji in 2000. It was then created under the sponsorship of the Mikimoto Pearl company as it became the official jeweler of Miss Universe.

Having a white and yellow version, they are made from 18 carat diamonds, and 120 natural Japanese white pearls. The design takes inspiration from the seven auspicious feathers of a Fenghuang Phoenix.

The crown was worn from 2002 to 2007. It then had a resurgence in 2017 and then finally ending a year later.

CAO Fine Jewelry Crown

In 2008, Miss Universe took place in Vietnam. Aside from providing a venue, the country would also design a crown for the pageant.

Made of 18 carat white and yellow gold, it also has 555 white diamonds, 375 cognac diamonds, 10 smoky quartz crystals, and 19 morganite gemstones. It was crafted by CAO Fine Jewelry which is under the Nhuan Jewelry in Vietnam.

Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela holds the distinction of being the only Miss Universe to wear the crown.

Diamond Nexus Peace Crown

Partnering with Diamond Nexus Labs, fans were given the opportunity to choose the crown from three different designs. With each design bearing the names “Peace,” “Hope,” and “Unity,” it was the Peace crown that won the voting.

With 1,371 gemstones, weighing a total of 416.09 carats, it contains 544.31 grams of 14k and 18k white gold, and platinum. The crown’s bright red rubies aim to represent the pageant’s main cause which is HIV/AIDS education and awareness.

Due to its heaviness, only Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez wore the crown’s original version. Changes were immediately done with its updated version being used from 2010 to 2013.

The DIC Crown

In 2014, Czech jewelry company, Diamonds International Corporation (DIC) steps in as the pageant’s newest crown sponsor.

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Using New York City’s Skyline as inspiration (and also paying honage to where Miss Universe is based), the crown took 4 months to make. The crown showcases five large topaz stones, 198 sapphires, 311 diamonds, and 33 translucent bohemian crystals.

Supposedly a 10-year deal, the crown would only be worn from 2014 to 2016. In mid-2017, DIC failed to comply with the required payment thus, their contract with MUO was terminated.

Power of Unity Crown

At present, Mouawad Jewelry is the authorized crown sponsor of Miss Universe. With their debut in 2019, The Power of Unity was born.

Symbolizing the community of women all around the world, it’s made with 18 carat gold as well as 1,725 white diamonds, and three canary diamonds.

Structured in a harmonious interplay of petals, leaves and vines, this reminds us that “we are stronger together than apart”. Under its belt, it had three Miss Universe titleholders, carrying over from 2019 to 2021.

Force for Good Crown

And finally, the second crown created by Mouawad for Miss Universe is the Force for Good Crown. Made of 110 carats of blue sapphires, and 48 carats of white diamond. Laid in a rippling wave effect, this is meant to “reflect the need for any call for change”.

For its centerpiece, a 45.14 carat royal blue sapphire stands high above, symbolizing the process of “sustained effort overtime”.

Which one of the crowns is your favorite? With the countdown to Miss Universe continues, so does the anticipation of the fans on who will get to wear the legendary crown.

Miss Universe 2022 will be on January 14, live from New Orleans, Louisiana.

Sources: Instagram.com/missuupdates, Cosmo PH, Sashes and Scripts, and News9Live

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