The evolution of Miss Universe crowns: A shimmering journey through time

The first Miss Universe crown was the Romanov Imperial Nuptial Crown, previously owned by the Russian monarchy. In 1952, Armi Kuusela had the honor of being the first to wear this crown. It exuded a sense of regal elegance and marked the birth of a tradition.

The following year, when Christiane Martel became Miss Universe 1953, the crown transitioned into a metallic bronze crown, known as the Romanov Diadem Crown. Martel remains the only titleholder ever to wear this unique crown, making it a historical relic of the pageant.

The “Star of the Universe” crown adorned the heads of Miss Universe winners from 1954 to 1960. This crown’s distinctive feature was a star-shaped design at its pinnacle. Crafted from approximately 1,000 Oriental cultured and black pearls, set in solid gold and platinum, and weighing only 1.25 pounds, it was an enchanting piece of artistry.

The 1961 Miss Universe edition debuted the “Lady Rhinestone Crown” or the “Coventry Crown.” Purely made from rhinestones, this crown marked the 10th anniversary of the pageant. Over the years, the design evolved, featuring a female figure holding a scepter as its centerpiece. The rhinestone structure allowed for replicas to be given to outgoing titleholders, making it an iconic piece of the pageant’s history.

Mikimoto Crown (2002–2007; 2017–2018) In 2002, a new crown era began with the “Mikimoto Crown.” Designed by Tomohiro Yamaji for the Mikimoto Company, this crown depicted a phoenix rising, symbolizing status, power, and beauty. With 500 natural colorless diamonds, South Sea and Akoya pearls, and a value of US$250,000, it was a stunning and cherished addition to the pageant.

2008 introduced the “CAO Crown,” designed by Rosalina Lydster and Dang Kim Lien of CAO Fine Jewelry. Valued at US$120,000, this crown featured a unique combination of white and yellow gold and over 1,000 precious stones. The design symbolizes the thriving Vietnamese economy, making it a memorable and meaningful piece.

The “Diamond Nexus Crown,” created by Diamond Nexus Labs, graced Miss Universe winners from 2009 to 2013. Set with 1,371 gemstones, it weighed an astounding 416.09 carats and featured synthetic rubies to represent Miss Universe’s HIV/AIDS education and awareness platform. It was a testament to the era’s emphasis on eco-friendliness.

The “DIC Crown,” designed by Czech company Diamonds International Corporation, was used from 2014 to 2016. Valued at US$300,000, it showcased the Manhattan Skyline and featured 311 diamonds, blue topaz, blue sapphires, heat-fired crystals, and 18k white gold. However, it faced copyright infringement issues, leading to its retirement in 2017.

From 2019 to 2021, the ‘Mouawad Power of Unity Crown’ took center stage. With an estimated average worth of nearly US$6 million, it was the world’s most expensive set of pageant crowns. This crown boasted a Golden Canary Diamond weighing 62.83 carats and symbolized ambition, diversity, community, and beauty.

In 2022, with the ownership of the Miss Universe Organization changing hands, a new Mouawad crown design was introduced. The “Mouawad Force for Good Crown” holds 110 carats of blue sapphires, 48 carats of white diamonds, and a 45.14-carat royal blue sapphire at its center. It represents a new chapter in the history of Miss Universe crowns.

The Miss Universe crowns have adorned the heads of exceptional women and represented the changing times and evolving aesthetics of each era. With each new design, they continue to reflect their time’s values, aspirations, and trends, making them a vital part of the Miss Universe legacy.