The Philippines is indeed a powerhouse in the world of pageantry after two Binibining Pilipinas queens won their respective international pageants.
Catriona Gray made Filipinos all over the world proud after bagging the fourth Miss Universe title for the Philippines, and Karen Gallman recently brought home the country’s first ever Miss Intercontinental crown.
Gallman bested 84 candidates during the pageant’s coronation night held on January 26 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, and because of that she was able to wear the crown that is considered to be the most expensive of its kind.
According to the pageant website Missosology, the Miss Intercontinental crown, called the “Oriental Holy Water”, was designed by FUQI China, the said pageant’s official jeweler back in 2005.
“Its design was inspired by water, the source of life, representing the natural beauty and purity of women. The crown will remain at the WBO Office and be used only for the crowning of each new Miss Intercontinental,” Missosology wrote.
Missosology added that the crown has 720 diamonds with a total of 21 carats and is valued at around US$361,446 or P18.99 million.
Meanwhile, the Miss Universe Mikimoto crown which Gray has been using ever since she wore was designed by the pageant’s former official jeweler, Mikimoto & Co., Ltd.
The design of the Mikimoto crown was inspired by the legendary rising phoenix. The crown features seven feathers inspired by the Fenghuang phoenix which are made with yellow and white gold.
The crown is also covered with 18 carats of diamonds and 120 white South Sea and Akoya pearls giving a grand total weight of 29.7 carats.
Because of the expensive stones on the crown, it is estimated to cost around $250,000 or P12.5 million.
