After the recent news of the first Filipino-made crown for Miss Universe, it added a brand new chapter for the Philippines’ history book aside from the country’s four-time victory.
Speaking of history, for seven decades, Miss Universe winners have been crowned with different sparkling tiaras, each representing a different time period and the spirit of the competition. Throughout these decades, these crowns have undergone ten transformations, which was becoming more detailed and luxurious.
Let’s take a look at how the Miss Universe crowns have evolved over the years:
The Romanov Imperial Nuptial Crown (1952)
The very first crown to be worn in the history of the Miss Universe pageant, it was once owned by the Russian monarchy. The crown was famously worn by Armi Kuusela of Finland when she was crowned Miss Universe in 1952. It is said to contain 1,535 diamonds, including 320 cushion-cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 182 carats. Radiating regal elegance, the crown marked the beginning of the Miss Universe tradition.
The Romanov Diadem Crown (1953)
also called the Metal Bronze Crown, was worn by Christiane Martel, the 1953 Miss Universe. It replaced the traditional nuptial crown and was the only time the crown was used. Designed by silversmith Allan Adler, it is notable for its absence of rhinestones and gemstones, being made entirely of metallic bronze with a star-shaped ornament hanging at the front.
The Star of the Universe Crown (1954-1960)
Worn from 1954 to 1960, this crown featured a star-shaped design at its peak. Made from around 1,000 cultured oriental and black pearls set in solid gold and platinum, it weighed 1.25 pounds. Miriam Stevenson of the USA was the first to wear it as the titleholder.
Lady Rhinestone Crown or Coventry Crown (1961-2001)
Originally created to mark the 10th anniversary of the pageant, this crown was made entirely of rhinestones. In 1963, jeweler Sarah Coventry redesigned it with a female figure holding a scepter as the centerpiece, making it an iconic symbol of the pageant. Its rhinestone construction made it affordable to produce replicas for outgoing titleholders. The design was updated again in 1973 for better comfort and wearability. The crown was used until 2001, when a new sponsorship deal led to its replacement, ending this long-standing tradition.
The Mikimoto Crown (2002–2007, and 2017–2018)
was created to mark the 50th anniversary of the Miss Universe organization. Designed by Tomohiro Yamaji for Mikimoto, the crown features a phoenix rising, symbolizing power, beauty, and status. Made from yellow and white gold, it is adorned with 500 colorless diamonds and 120 South Sea and Akoya pearls. The crown was first used from 2002 to 2007 and then reintroduced in 2017, thanks to its special significance and the Miss Universe Organization’s partnership with Mikimoto. Catriona Gray was the last to wear the crown, holding it as Miss Universe 2018, before it was retired.
The CAO Crown (2008)
Dayana Mendoza was the sole titleholder to wear the CAO Crown in 2008. Designed by Rosalina Lydster and Dang Kim Lien of CAO Fine Jewelry, this exquisite tiara was crafted from a blend of 18-karat white and yellow gold. It featured 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 crown’s lustrous yellow gold symbolized the thriving, prosperous economy of Vietnam, making it not only a stunning piece of jewelry but also a meaningful representation of the nation’s success.
Diamond Nexus Crown (2009–2013)
Crafted by Diamond Nexus Labs, this crown was worn by Miss Universe titleholders from 2009 to 2013. Set with 1,371 gemstones and weighing 416.09 carats, it featured synthetic rubies to symbolize the pageant’s HIV/AIDS awareness efforts. The crown also reflected the growing focus on eco-friendly practices during that time.
The DIC Crown (2014–2016)
Crafted from 18k white gold, 311 diamonds, blue sapphires, blue topaz, and heat-fired crystals, this crown was designed by the Czech company Diamonds International Corporation. It was used from 2014 to 2016, with Pia Wurtzbach among the titleholders who wore it on 2015 Miss Universe. However, the crown faced copyright infringement issues, which led to its retirement in 2017.
The Mouawad Power of Unity Crown (2019–2021)
was crafted by Mouawad Jewelry, the official jeweler for the Miss Universe Organization. Valued at nearly US$6 million, it holds the title of the world’s most expensive pageant crown set. The centerpiece of the crown is a stunning 62.83-carat golden canary diamond. According to Pascal Mouawad, the crown embodies the values of Ambition, Diversity, Community, and Beauty.
The Mouawad Force for Good Crown (2022–2023)
the second crown created by Mouawad. Introduced in 2022, it features an impressive 110 carats of blue sapphires, 48 carats of white diamonds, and a 45.14-carat royal blue sapphire at its center.
The Lumiere De L’Infini or The Light of Infinity Crown (2024 – )
And finally our latest marks a historic moment as the first crown crafted in the Philippines, designed by the renowned Filipino luxury jewelry house, Jewelmer. Known for its expertise in South Sea pearls, particularly the golden Philippine pearls, Jewelmer brought together a fusion of traditional Filipino craftsmanship and French jewelry techniques to create this masterpiece.
Adorned with 23 golden South Sea pearls and diamonds, the intricate wave-like patterns reflect the beauty of the ocean. At its center, a singular golden pearl symbolizes the sun, radiating with diamond-filled rays, encapsulating the spirit of light and infinity
The Miss Universe crowns have graced the heads of remarkable women, reflecting the shifting values and evolving aesthetics of each era. Each year, as a new queen is crowned, the Miss Universe crown continues to sparkle as a beacon of hope, inspiring countless women around the world to dream big, believe in themselves, and reach for the stars.
Which of these crowns is your favorite?
