What’s the new Miss Universe crown called, what’s it made of, does the winner get to keep it?

A new crown will be up for grabs at the 2024 Miss Universe beauty pageant, which takes place this week in Mexico City. On Wednesday, the Miss Universe Organization unveiled the ‘Lumière de l’Infini’, a pearl-encrusted gold tiara made by the French-Filipino jewelry brand Jewelmer.

A piece whose name translates as the ‘Light of the Infinity’, the crown replaces the diamond and sapphire-lined ‘Force for Good’, which was made by the MUO’s previous jewelry partner, the Lebanese firm Mouawad. Won in 2023 by Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios, the ‘Force for Good’ was itself only introduced two years ago.

Ever since Finland’s Armi Kuusela received the Romanov Imperial Nuptial Crown as Miss Universe’s inaugural winner in 1952, the design of the global contest’s tiara has changed several times, particularly in recent years. Since the turn of the millennium, indeed, there have now been eight different crowns.

Get to know the ‘Lumière de l’Infini’, the Miss Universe 2024 crown

The first Miss Universe crown to be crafted in the Philippines, the ‘Lumière de l’Infini’ is adorned with South Sea pearls - “creations that embody every woman’s beauty and strength”, according to Jewelmer.

In a statement, the company added: “A miracle created in 377 steps over five years, this treasure is cultivated through the most pristine environment and utmost human care, embodying the brilliance of Jewelmer’s co-existence with Mother Nature. As long as there is a pearl, there is life shining through every moment.

“Universal elements are brought together in harmony, united through a crown made with a passion for creativity and innovation. Light and fire emanate from the sun, as depicted by the diamond-adorned rays and the warmth of precious yellow gold. Tendrils of diamonds and rich gold recall the seafoam meeting the shores and the air blowing on the waves.

“Golden South Sea pearls evoke the sphere of the Earth, radiating beauty from the ocean, our source of life, to the whispers and promises of the universe and its infinite beyond.”

Does Miss Universe get to keep the crown?

No: the pageant’s winner earns the right to wear the crown at certain events during her reign as Miss Universe, but it remains the property of the MUO. However, while she does not get to keep the crown itself, she does receive a replica.

When is Miss Universe 2024?

After the preliminary competition on Thursday November 14, the 2024 Miss Universe grand final is to be held on Saturday November 16, at Mexico City’s Arena Ciudad de México. Hosted by former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo and TV presenter Mario Lopez, the final show is scheduled to air from 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.

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