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- Miss USA R'Bonney Gabriel was crowned Miss Universe 2022 at the 71st edition of the pageant.
- Throughout its 70-year history, the Miss Universe crown has changed ten times.
- From gemstones to price tags, we take a look at the evolution of the Miss Universe crown.
USA's R'Bonney Gabriel took home the crown on Saturday at the 71st edition of Miss Universe.
There's no doubt that Miss Universe is the most-watched pageant in the world, and according to Variety, the global pageant is broadly distributed in more than 190 international territories. Rappler reports that 3.82 million viewers alone watched Zozibini Tunzi be crowned Miss Universe on Fox in 2019.
And throughout its 70-year history, the Miss Universe crown has changed ten times.
We take a look at the evolution of the Miss Universe crown:
1. Romanov Imperial Nuptial Crown (1952):
The Romanov Imperial Nuptial Crown was previously owned by the now-defunct Russian monarchy and was used to crown Finland's Armi Kuusela in 1952. According to Angelopedia, the crown is believed to have consisted of 1 535 flawless diamonds.
2. Romanov Diadem Crown or Metal Bronze Crown (1953):
The Nuptial Crown (ironically used to crown a "miss") was replaced by a metallic bronze crown in 1953. Reportedly one of the most basic crowns, the solid design was not adorned with any crystals or rhinestones; nor did it showcase any intricate design details.
3. Star of The Universe (1954-1960):
This crowned was aptly named Star of The Universe because of the unique star shape at the top of the crown. It comprised of approximately 1 000 pearls and was set in solid gold and platinum. It is said to have been valued at $500 000 (R8 382 900), according to Rappler.
4. Lady Rhinestone Crown or Coventry Crown (1961-2001):
This crown was purely made from rhinestones, debuting in 1961 as part of the 10th anniversary of the Miss Universe pageant. Only Marlene Schmidt from Germany and Norma Nolan from Argentina wore this crown.
In 1963, renowned jeweller Sarah Coventry reinvented the rhinestone crown to feature a female figure holding a sceptre as its main design element.
5. Mikimoto Crown (2002-2007; 2017-2018)
The crown was first unveiled in 2002 as a commemorative piece for Miss Universe's 50th anniversary and depicted the phoenix rising - signifying status, power and beauty.
Rappler reports that the crown had 500 natural colourless diamonds of almost 30 carats (6.0g), 120 South Sea and Akoya pearls, ranging in size from 3-18mm diametre and is valued at $250 000 (R4 191 450).
The Mikimoto crown is reputedly the most sought after among beauty title holders, and in 2017 South Africa's Demi-Leigh Tebow received the iconic Mikimoto crown when she won.
6. CAO Fine Jewelry crown (2008):
Designed by CAO Fine Jewelry of Vietnam, the crown was only used in 2008. Valued at $120 000 (R2 011 896), it was made of 18-carat white and yellow gold and had more than 1 000 precious stones, said Rappler.
7. Peace Crown by Diamond Nexus Labs (2009-2013)
The crown, worn between 2009 and 2013, was encrusted with 1 371 gemstones, weighing a total of 416.09 carats (83.218g). It contained 544.31 grams of 14k and 18k white gold as well as platinum, according to idiva.
The crown featured synthetic rubies to represent HIV/AIDS education and awareness - and symbolised peace and hope across the globe.
8. DIC Crown (2014-2016)
The DIC Crown, estimated to be worth $300 000 (R5 029 740), was produced by the Czech company Diamonds International Corporation.
According to an article on the company's website, the diamond crown, reminiscent of the Manhattan skyline, comprised of 311 diamonds, five pieces of blue topaz, 198 pieces of blue sapphire, 33 crystals, and 220 grams of 18k karat white gold. The total weight of the crown was 411 grams.
From the first sketches to the production, it took approximately four months.
9. Mouawad Power of Unity Crown (2019-2021)
South Africa's Zozibini Tunzi was the first titleholder to be crowned with the Mouawad Power of Unity Crown in 2019.
According to AJC, the Mouawad Crown is estimated to be worth $5 million (R84 156 000) - making it the world's most expensive beauty pageant crown on record. The crown symbolises ambition, diversity, community, and beauty.
The crown's centrepiece, a shield-cut golden canary diamond, weighs 62.83 carats.
10. Mouawad Force for Good Crown (2022 - present)
Miss Universe unveiled its new crown for the 2022 pageant ahead of the weekend's competition.
"Introducing the Force for Good crown," the pageant organisation captioned a video of the bejewelled headpiece on Instagram.
The crown was designed by Mouawad – the family-owned international company of Lebanese origin that makes and sells jewellery, objects of art, and luxury watches.
"Carrying an inspiring message of hope for the future, the Mouawad Miss Universe 2022 Force for Good crown is a unique bespoke work, whose extraordinary craftsmanship, featuring the meticulous setting of sapphires and diamonds, is replete with symbolism," a statement read.
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