The Miss Universe crown is sparkly, super expensive and you can try it on

Fast facts about this astounding headpiece, plus how to get an Instagram filter that'll let you have your very own beauty queen moment

14 May 2021 - 09:20 By Toni Jaye Singer
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The Power of Unity crown was first introduced to the Miss Universe pageant in 2019.
The Power of Unity crown was first introduced to the Miss Universe pageant in 2019.
Image: Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for Endeavor

SA's Natasha Joubert is among the 74 beauty queens from around the globe who are vying for the Miss Universe crown. 

We'll find out which woman will be victorious during the pageant's finale in Hollywood, Florida, on May 16 (2am to 5am on May 17, SA time).

In the meantime, here are some fast facts about the glittering headpiece they're all hoping to get their hands on:

1. IT'S CALLED 'THE POWER OF UNITY' CROWN

The Miss Universe crown was crafted by Mouawad, a Lebanese jewellery firm.

It's intricate design features a series of sparkling leaves and flowers connected by vines, which are intended to symbolise “the community of women from around the world whose bonds unite them”. The idea is to remind us that “in unity, lies power”.

The crown jewels in this, well, crown are a trio of canary diamonds, which represent “the new golden age of women, where [they are] celebrated for being complex, diverse, unapologetically ambitious and strong”.

2. IT CONTAINS MORE THAN 1,700 DIAMONDS

Along with the aforementioned sun-coloured canary diamonds, the Power of Unity crown stars 1,725 white diamonds set in 18 carat gold. The central stone alone weighs a whopping 62.83 carats.

3. YOU CAN TRY IT ON

Well, sort off.

Thanks to the Mouawad Power of Unity filter on Instagram, you can see what you'd look like wearing the Miss Universe crown. 

To get the filter, open your Instagram Stories, click “browse effects” and search “Power of Unity” in the effect gallery. Select the “Mouawad Power of Unity” filter, tap “try it” and you're all set to have your very own beauty queen moment.

4. ZOZIBINI TUNZI WAS THE FIRST TO WEAR IT

Having been unveiled just more than two years ago, the Power of Unity crown is a fairly recent addition to the Miss Universe pageant. That makes Miss Universe 2019, our very own Zozibini Tunzi, the first winner to wear it.

Miss SA Zozibini Tunzi was crowned Miss Universe in December 2019.
Miss SA Zozibini Tunzi was crowned Miss Universe in December 2019.
Image: Supplied

5. IT'S STAGGERINGLY EXPENSIVE

Though winning the right to wear the Miss Universe crown is a priceless experience, the crown itself has an astonishing monetary value. When it was first unveiled it was reported that it was worth $5m — that's a jaw-dropping R70.4m.


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