The Miss Universe organization revealed the new almost $6 million crown to seal the deal for the winning contestant for the January 2023 competition.
Dubbed “The Crown Number 12: Force for Good,” the diamond-sapphire headpiece is a result of world-renowned luxury jeweler Mouawad’s handicraft.
“It has been an honor to craft a new crown for The Miss Universe Organization and to create a new sparkling chapter in the story of Mouawad Miss Universe crowns,” said Mouawad co-guardian Fred Mouawad.
Crown Number 12 is pear-shaped, adorned with blue sapphires and surrounded by diamonds.
It is worth almost $6 million and will serve as the winning piece of the 71st Miss Universe Competition on January 14, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States.
At the center of the crown is a royal blue pear-shaped, 45.14-carat sapphire. It represents a sense of goodness made possible through action and hope for a brighter future.
The Mouawad Miss Universe Force for Good Crown also marks the second headpiece crafted by the luxury jeweler.
Mouawad added that the Miss Universe Force for Good Crown “is a work of extraordinary craftsmanship, completely crafted and set by hand [with a] total [of] 993 stone settings, featuring 110.83 carats of blue sapphires and 48.24 carats of white diamonds.”
Besides the beauty in action, symbolized by the stunning gems, the crown also features wave-like curls at its base, emulating a serpent’s head.
“The Miss Universe 2022 Force for Good Crown stands for a graceful reincarnation of The Miss Universe Organization’s long-standing values and heritage as a guiding light, shining bright to the future glory,” said JKN Global Group Public Company Limited Chief Executive Officer Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip. She is also the new owner of The Miss Universe Organization.
Jakrajutatip also shared that the new crown illustrates the challenges and rewards when young women advocate for causes close to their hearts and strive to leave a positive impact on the world.
“As we are stepping into the new era of women’s empowerment, The Miss Universe Organization will continue to be a global organization run by women for women with a promise to serve as an inspirational platform that celebrates diverse women, supporting them to realize their ambition and build self-confidence, while evolving the brand over time to be more relevant and appealing to the next generation. Our new ambition is to instill the passion for transformational leadership among us all, with a firm belief that everyone can lead, be successful, and achieve their life goals,” Jakrajutatip added.
Celeste Cortesi will represent the Philippines in the upcoming globally-renowned pageant.