First Miss Universe crown (Photo : YouTube)
Reigning Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach is wearing $300,000-worth crown that features 311 pcs of diamonds, 5 pieces of blue topaz, 198 pieces of blue sapphire, 33 pieces of crystal and 220 grams of gold. Total weight of the crown is 411 grams.Below are some of the interesting facts about the first Miss Universe crown.
1. It is the most expensive crown
The first Miss Universe crown boasts over 1,529 flawless diamonds with a combined weight of 300 karats. At the time it was insured for half-a-million dollars. How much do you think its worth now?
2. It is the only crown with royal jewels
The crown was once owned by a Russian czar and was wor n by Russian Romanov princesses. It is the only crown with actual royal jewels making it the most precious crown of the pageant.
3. It was used for weddings of Russian royalties
Once belonged to the Romanovs of Russia, Alexandra of Hesse wore the crown when she wed czar Nicholas II of Russia on November 26, 1894. The nuptial crown was then used by all Russian grand Duchesses and wives of grand dukes on their wedding day.
4. It was almost given up by the Miss Universe titleholder
The crown was worn by the first Miss Universe Armi Kuusela in 1952. However, during her reign, Armi fell in love with a Filipino and was willing to gave up her crown and title for marriage with businessman Virgilio Hilario. However, since the pageant has no concrete rules yet, she was allowed to keep the title.
5. It was worn only once
The crown was worn only once as the organizers has decided to change the crown a year after. It was replaced by a bigger crown that was made of bronze.
6. Where is it now?
The crown was displayed on "A Taste for Splendor: Russian Imperial and European Treasures from the Hillwood Museum" at the Hillwood Estate until year 2000. However, the crown is now in storage.
