The Miss Universe crown was designed by Mikimoto, the official jewellery sponsor of the Miss Universe Organization. It depicts the phoenix rising, signifying status, power and beauty.

The crown was designed specifically for the Miss Universe pageant on Mikimoto Pearl Island in Japan. It has 500 diamonds of almost 30 carats (6.0 g), 120 South Sea and Akoya pearls, ranging in size from 3 to 18mm diameter and is valued at $250,000.

The Mikimoto crown and tiara was first used during Miss Universe 2002 held in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Photo : Oxana Fedorova, Miss Universe 2002 from Russia but she was dethroned & replaced by Justine Pasek from Panama.