MANILA, Philippines: Philippines' Jewelmer — an international luxury brand that produces and uses golden South Sea pearls — is designing the new Miss Universe crown, a first for the country.
While the design is still confidential, Jeweler guaranteed that the new crown will highlight golden south sea pearl.
"Jewelmer makes history with the first Filipino-crafted crown for Miss Universe," the official announcement read, shared by both Jeweler (@jewelmer) and Miss Universe (@missuniverse) on their respective Instagram accounts on Tuesday.
"Countless hands have contributed to this masterpiece — from Jewelmer's dedicated pearl farmers to the Filipino master craftsmen — making it a striking emblem of the magic that transpires when man works in harmony with nature," the post said.
In a separate Instagram post, Jewelmer CEO Jacques Christophe Branellec wrote, "From Palawan to the Universe! Off we go to Mexico City to launch the new crown of Ms Universe by @jewelmer! First time for the Universe to have a crown made in the Philippines adorned by our national gem, the golden south sea pearl! Para sa bayan!"
Since its inauguration in 1952, the Miss Universe has seen 12 crown designs — including the popular Phoenix Mikimoto crown worn by the country's own Catriona Gray in 2018, and the Diamond International Corporation (DIC) Manhattan skyline-inspired crown bestowed on Pia Wurtzbach in 2015.
The two most recent crowns — The Power of Unity and The Force for Good — were designed by Lebanese jewelry company Mouawad.
In past editions, new Miss Universe crowns were introduced in unveiling ceremonies ahead of the pageant.
The 73rd Miss Universe coronation night is set on Nov. 16 (Nov. 17 in Manila) in Mexico City, Mexico.
The Philippines' representative, Chelsea Manalo, will be competing against more than 120 candidates, to bring home the country's fifth crown.