A New Crown for Miss Universe 2008

Japan's Riyo Mori, the reigning Miss Universe 2007 (photo, left) will be the last to wear the Mikimoto crown. Announced today by the Miss Universe Organization that CAO Fine Jewelry (a line of the renowned Phu Nhuan Jewelry (PNJ) company in Vietnam) has created the coveted 2008 Miss Universe crown. The winner of the 2008 Miss Universe beauty pageant will be crowned with the masterpiece which was designed by Rosalina Tran Lydster of Jewelry by Rosalina and Ms. Dang Thi Kim Lien of CAO Fine Jewelry. The new beauty queen will also received a CAO made tiara worth $30 thousand dollars.

The crown, valued at $120 thousand dollars, is made of 18K white and yellow gold. It is comprised of 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 colors of the jewels chosen for the crown have great significance. The yellow luster of the gold represents the prosperous thriving economy in Vietnam. White, light pink and cognac are the main hues in the crown which represent inspiration and feeling.

“The Miss Universe crown is one of the most revered pieces of jewelry in the world,” said Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization. “We are very excited to have partnered with CAO Fine Jewelry and Jewelry by Rosalina to create this year’s crown.”

“The curved design creates a natural rhythm and a stable structure for the crown, symbolizing the spirit of unity. The crown combines the beauty and the character of each nation, accomplishing the goal of the pageant, which is international unity,” explained designers Ms. Kim Lien and Rosalina Lydster.