This year’s Miss Universe crown, Jewelmer’s ‘Lumière de l’Infini‘ (Light of Infinity), was created by Filipino craftsmen using rare south sea pearls harvested off the coasts of Palawan.
Beauty pageants are spectacles. They are a seemingly endless parade of towering beauties donning elegant gowns and sexy swimsuits, each proudly wearing a sash bearing their country’s name. Every candidate comes with one purpose and one purpose alone: to bring home the crown.
In an industry saturated with beauty pageants, there’s one that has kept its enviable prestige after over seven decades: the Miss Universe pageant. Throughout its 72-year history, the mother of all pageants has showcased 11 different crowns—each a spectacle of its own.
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Yesterday, Nov. 14, our beauty pageant-crazy country had an additional dose of exciting news: this year’s edition of the Miss Universe pageant will have a new crown. And it won’t be just any other crown, it will be the first to be made here in the Philippines!
Called “Lumière de l’Infini” (Light of Infinity), it is created by Filipino craftsmen using rare South Sea pearls harvested off the coasts of Palawan. Raul Rocha, Miss Universe president, declares the crown as “the most beautiful in the history of Miss Universe.”
The crown’s gem was made in “377 steps over five years,” and “brought to life by the most pristine environment and utmost human care” in the Philippines, according to a post on Jewelmer’s official Instagram account.
“This precious gem embodies the brilliance of our co-existence with Mother Nature. As long as there is a pearl, there is life shining through every moment,” it continues.
The headpiece was unveiled in an event held in Mexico City, Mexico, where the 2024 Miss Universe pageant is taking place. It is made by Jewelmer, a Philippine-based international luxury jewelry company which has also been providing the “La Mer en Majeste” (Sea of Majesty) crown used in the Miss Universe Philippines pageant since 2022.
As we marvel at the beauty of this proudly Philippine made work of art, let The POST walk you through the previous Miss Universe crowns, each of which has its own distinct beauty and layers of meaning—much like the candidates who have had the honor of wearing them over the years.
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Romanov Imperial Nuptial Crown (1952)
In its inaugural year, the pageant featured only 30 contestants, with the eventual winner, Armi Kuusela of Finland, having the honor to wear a crown previously owned by the Russian monarchy. Set with over 1500 diamonds, including 320 cushion cut diamonds weighing about 182 carats, this crown boasts a truly regal history.
Romanov Diadem Crown, Metal Bronze Crown, or Cristiane Martel Crown (1953)
To this day Christiane Martel from France, who became Miss Universe the following year, remains the only titleholder ever to wear this crown. It is also a headpiece that did not feature crystals or rhinestones. These distinctions make the metallic bronze crown a historical relic of the pageant.
Star of the Universe (1954–1960)
The aptly named crown adorned the heads of Miss Universe winners from 1954 to 1960. It is crafted from approximately 1,000 pearls set in gold and platinum, featuring a star-shaped design at its pinnacle and weighing only 1.25 pounds.
Lady Rhinestone Crown or Coventry Crown (1961–1973)
Perhaps the most famous crown on this list, it made its debut in the 1961 edition of the pageant, which also marked its 10th anniversary. It is purely made from rhinestones but over the years, the design evolved to feature the iconic female figure holding a scepter as its centerpiece. The rhinestone structure allowed for replicas to be given to outgoing titleholders.
Leda Maria Vargas of Brazil, Miss Universe 1963, was the first winner to use this crown. Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz wore this during her reign.
The Chandelier Crown (1973-2001)
In 1973, the Lady Rhinestone Crown or Coventry Crown was slightly modified for the wearer’s comfort and was also renamed. Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran was the first winner to have this crown adorn her head. The last winner to wear The Chandelier Crown was Miss Universe 2001, Denise Quiñones of Puerto Rico.
Mikimoto Crown (2002–2007; 2017–2018)
Another well-loved crown, was designed by Tomohiro Yamaji for the eponymous company known for its stunning pearls and exquisite jewelry. This crown depicted a phoenix rising, symbolizing not only beauty but also power and status. This elegant crown has 500 natural colorless diamonds, South Sea and Akoya pearls, and an estimated value of US$250,000. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray wore this during her reign.
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CAO Crown (2008)
I have to admit the name is rather unremarkable. Still, this crown introduced in 2008 is dazzling despite its simplicity. Designed by Rosalina Lydster and Dang Kim Lien of CAO Fine Jewelry (now we know where the name came from!), it features a stunning combination of white and yellow gold and over 1,000 precious stones and is estimated to be worth US$120,000. More than its monetary value, this crown symbolizes a flourishing Vietnamese economy. Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela is the only titleholder who got to wear the CAO Crown.
Diamond Nexus Crown or Peace Crown (2009–2013)
Created by a company of the same name, it was worn by Miss Universe winners from 2009 to 2013. Set with 1,371 gemstones, it weighed an astounding 416.09 carats and is studded with synthetic rubies representing the organization’s HIV/AIDS education and awareness platform. It is also the first crown made of eco-friendly materials.
DIC Crown (2014–2016)
Designed by Czech company Diamonds International Corporation, hence the acronym, this crown was used from 2014 to 2016. Valued at US$300,000, it represents the Manhattan Skyline and features 311 diamonds, blue topaz, blue sapphires, heat-fired crystals, and 18k white gold. It faced copyright infringement issues, however, which led to its retirement in 2017. Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach’s unforgettable win was punctuated with this equally memorable crown.
Mouawad Power of Unity Crown (2019–2021)
This has got to be one of the most remarkable crowns on this list, not only in worth, but also in meaning. It has motifs of interwoven petals, leaves and vines, crafted in 18-karat gold and set with white diamonds, which symbolize community bonds. Its centerpiece, a shield-cut golden canary diamond weighing 62.83 carats, denotes power, while two golden canary diamonds on either side represent harmony, per the Mouawad website. At nearly US$6 million, it is said to be the world’s most expensive pageant crown.
Mouawad Force for Good Crown (2022–2024)
In 2022, to mark the change in ownership of the Miss Universe Organization, a new Mouawad crown design was launched. This piece of art holds 110 carats of blue sapphires, 48 carats of white diamonds, and a 45.14-carat royal blue sapphire at its center. It also represents a new chapter in the history of the world’s most watched beauty pageant.
In a few days, our very own Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo will try to bring home our fifth crown. The 73rd Miss Universe competition will be held in Mexico on November 16 (Sunday, November 17, 10 am, Philippine time). The pageant will be shown live on ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Metro Channel, and iWantTFC on November 17.
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