Miss Universe 2002 will be awarded a newly designed crown created specifically for the Miss Universe Organization and their titleholders. The exclusive crown will showcase pearls cultivated by the world-renowned Mikimoto, official jewelry sponsor of the Miss Universe Organization. Miss Universe 2002 will be the first to wear the exquisite crown.
The crown is valued at approximately $200,000 and will have 500 diamonds totaling nearly 30 carats. 120 pearls, both white South Sea and Akoya pearls, ranging in size from 3.0 -18 mm will adorn the new crown. Denise Quinones, Miss Universe 2001, recently traveled to Japan where she joined designer Tomohiro Yajima for the first glimpse of the new design. The intricate design depicts the ancient symbol of the phoenix rising, which signifies status, power and the vision of great beauty. In addition, Denise traveled to Pearl Island in Toba, Japan, where they hand selected each pearl. Mikimoto Pearl Island is where pearls were cultured successfully for the first time in history in 1893 using a method developed by Kokichi Mikimoto.
Kevin Lane, Vice President of U.S. Retail for Mikimoto, explains, "It is a privilege to add to the beauty of Miss Universe with an exquisite and unique crown and tiara." He added, "there is a huge market in Japan for tiara sales and rentals for special occasions - weddings, events, etc. We are partnering with another worldwide brand in hopes of developing that market here in the United States. Grace and beauty are the hallmarks of both Miss Universe and Mikimoto."
"Traveling the globe with a crown of this magnitude presents a whole new set of security challenges," explains Theresa Beyer, Vice President of Marketing for the Miss Universe Organization. "Mikimoto is designing a special case that can withstand the rigors of constant traveling. The process of insuring and securing such an exquisite and meaningful item is a whole new science that involves everyone from Willie Newman, director of security for the Miss Universe Organization, to the FBI and hundreds of local law enforcement officials," expressed Beyer.
In addition to the official Mikimoto crown, which will be kept by the Miss Universe Organization for the annual crowing of the new Miss Universe, each newly crowned Miss Universe will be awarded a pearl and diamond tiara valued at $20,000. This tiara will be part of the overall prize package awarded at the conclusion of the Miss Universe 2002 competition in San Juan, Puerto Rico, May 29, 2002 on the CBS Television Network.
The Mikimoto crown will grace some of the most incredible women in the world. Just as Miss Universe has over the course of a half a century, come to represent the style, confidence, and charitable spirit of women worldwide, Mikimoto's products exemplify the very essence of these women. Mikimoto, who has just embarked on the fourth year of its long-term partnership as the official jewelry sponsor of the Miss Universe Organization, will design two additional unique crowns for the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA competitions and original tiaras for their respective new titleholders. Each crown and tiara will reflect the beauty and tradition of its extraordinary competition with a different design. The Official Mikimoto Crowns are sure to be recognized as some of the most coveted items in the universe.
In 1893, the company founder, Kokichi Mikimoto, developed a technique for the cultivation of pearls, and the business remains the world leader in high-quality cultured pearls. The company is internationally respected for its product design, superior craftsmanship, and strict quality control.