By Dara Clariza Evangelista
Anyone who grew up draping bedsheets as gowns or wearing plastic tiaras knows the enchantment of pretending to be royalty. Even I had a tiny crown I loved to slip on whenever I wanted to feel a little braver or a little more unstoppable. Somehow, that small accessory had a way of making everything feel possible.
Maybe that’s why the Miss Universe crowning moment is so powerful. Watching an ordinary girl step into the spotlight and suddenly be crowned like a queen feels like witnessing a real-life fairytale. For a brief moment, it’s as if the world pauses to let someone’s childhood dream come true.
Here’s how the Miss Universe crown has transformed across the decades, beginning with the newest masterpiece created by Filipino hands.
Lumière de L’Infini — Jewelmer (2024–Present)
The most recent crown marks a milestone for the pageant and for the Philippines. Jewelmer, the renowned luxury house known for cultivating rare golden South Sea pearls, created the first Miss Universe crown entirely crafted by Filipino artisans.
Revealed in Mexico City ahead of the 73rd Miss Universe competition, the Lumière de L’Infini took five years to complete. Filipino pearl farmers, goldsmiths, and high jewelry makers worked using time-honored techniques also practiced in Europe’s historic jewelry districts.
For Miss Universe, the crown represents a new era of artistry. For Filipinos, it proves that the country’s natural treasures and craftsmanship now sit at the highest stage in the world.
Mouawad Force for Good (2022–2024)
This crown introduced a new chapter under the organization’s refreshed leadership. Designed with a sweeping wave structure and a rich blue palette, it features 110 carats of sapphires, 48 carats of white diamonds, and a central 45.14-carat royal blue sapphire. Its design symbolizes hope, progress, and the drive for meaningful change.
Mouawad Power of Unity (2019–2021)
One of the priciest crowns in Miss Universe history, this piece is valued at nearly six million dollars. At its heart is a striking 62.83-carat Golden Canary diamond. Surrounding it are vine-like motifs meant to represent diversity and unity, turning each coronation into a luxurious display of craftsmanship.
DIC Crown (2014–2016)
Created by Diamonds International Corporation, this crown drew inspiration from the Manhattan skyline. It incorporated 311 diamonds, shades of blue topaz and sapphire, and 18k white gold.
To Filipinos, this crown is iconic partly because Pia Wurtzbach wore it when she won in 2015. Her electric blue gown unintentionally echoed the crown’s cool tones, creating one of the most unforgettable Miss Universe winning images.
The design was later discontinued due to copyright issues.
Diamond Nexus Crown (2009–2013)
Often called the Peace Crown, this design embraced sustainability before it was trendy. Made by Diamond Nexus Labs, it featured over 400 carats’ worth of lab-created stones and 1,371 gems in total. The red accent stones were produced to honor the pageant’s HIV/AIDS education efforts, signaling a shift toward advocacy-driven pageantry.
CAO Fine Jewelry Crown (2008)
Used for one year, this crown was crafted by CAO Fine Jewelry’s Rosalina Lydster and Dang Kim Lien. It combined white and yellow gold with more than 1,000 gemstones and was valued at roughly 120,000 USD. It famously reflected Vietnam’s rising economy during the year the country hosted the pageant.
Mikimoto Crown (2002–2007; 2017–2018)
Recognized instantly by its phoenix-inspired silhouette, the Mikimoto crown symbolizes rebirth and strength. It incorporates South Sea and Akoya pearls along with 500 natural diamonds.
This is the crown most people associate with Catriona Gray, whose 2018 lava walk and slow-mo turn became legendary moments in Miss Universe history.
Lady Rhinestone Crown / Coventry Crown (1963–2001)
Left: Image taken from Pageant Universe, Right: Image taken from Missosology
While the all-rhinestone crown marked the pageant’s 10th anniversary, over the next four decades, the design evolved to feature a woman holding a scepter at the center. And because rhinestones were easier to replicate, outgoing titleholders were often given their own versions.
This crown is closely linked to two Filipina legends, Gloria Diaz and Margie Moran, whose wins helped shape the Philippines’ legacy in pageantry.
The Lady Rhinestone Crown (1961 to 1962)
For their 10th anniversary, the Miss Universe organization showcased a crown that was adorned entirely with rhinestones. This crown was only worn by Germany’s Marlene Schmidt and Argentina’s Norma Nolan as it sparkled its way into history.
Star of the Universe Crown (1954–1960)
Known for its glimmering star-shaped crest, this crown was set with around 1,000 cultured and black pearls, framed in gold and platinum. Despite its lavish design, it weighed just over a pound. Its chandelier-like silhouette became an icon of early Miss Universe glamour.
Bronze Crown (1953)
Worn exclusively by Christiane Martel during her reign, this metallic bronze crown remains one of the rarest pieces in Miss Universe history. Its unique finish and regal structure marked a step toward the more modern crowns that followed.
Romanov Imperial Nuptial Crown (1952)
The very first Miss Universe crown came straight from Russian royal heritage. Armi Kuusela, the inaugural Miss Universe, was the only contestant ever crowned with this historical heirloom. It set the tone for the pageant’s long tradition of regal symbolism.
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