San Juan, Puerto Rico: The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) unveiled “The Radiance of an Eternal Legacy,” the crown that will be awarded to Miss Universe 2026, created to mark the pageant’s 75th anniversary in Puerto Rico. Held at The Miss Universe Experience in Plaza Las Américas, the ceremony brought together guests associated with the pageant’s history and delegates participating in this year’s competition.
“The Radiance of an Eternal Legacy” will be presented to the next Miss Universe during the finale on Tuesday, November 24, at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot. The Diamond Anniversary edition features more than 100 delegates from around the world, alongside a schedule of events highlighting the pageant’s history, international participation, and global reach over the past 75 years.
Designed by jewelry designer George Wittels in collaboration with Maison d’OR, a Parisian fine jewelry house, the crown is made from 18-karat white gold and features 3,150 brilliant-cut diamonds, according to the organization.
“Its design pays tribute to the women who have shaped Miss Universe throughout its history while reflecting the pageant’s evolution over the past seven and a half decades,” the Miss Universe Organization stated. It added that three prominent diamonds represent the “past, present, and future” of Miss Universe.
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According to the organization, the diamond on the left recognizes women who broke barriers, created opportunities for others, and contributed to the pageant’s legacy over 75 years. The diamond on the right represents women who continue to inspire others and contribute to their communities.
The centerpiece, the crown’s largest and most prominent diamond, symbolizes future generations of women who will continue the Miss Universe legacy. Set directly beneath the organization’s signature star, it connects the pageant’s history with its next chapter, incorporating the anniversary’s themes into the crown’s overall design.
“This crown is a tribute to our history, but more importantly, it celebrates the women who have worn our title, their stories, their impact around the world, and the future generations who will continue that legacy,” said Ronald Day, CEO of the Miss Universe Organization. “We wanted to commemorate our anniversary with a piece that honors both our heritage and the new era of Miss Universe.”
Joining Day at the unveiling were María José Unda, the organization’s vice president of international relations, and Willianet Robles, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
Addressing the contestants, Day said, “You are looking more beautiful than ever. Welcome to Puerto Rico once again.” He added that the organization was excited as preparations for the competition entered their final stretch.
“We are very excited because we are ready to present Puerto Rico and the universe with one of the most spectacular shows in Miss Universe history as we celebrate our 75th anniversary, our Diamond Jubilee,” he said, thanking Robles for her support.
“I truly mean it when I say that we have never had such a special relationship, working hand in hand with us to make this spectacular event and everything that has been happening possible,” he added.
Unda also thanked Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón and the island’s tourism authority for their support of the pageant.
“We’re going to see the crown very soon, but I want to talk about what the crown means for these girls,” Unda said. “And I know that only one is going to be crowned Miss Universe. But for 75 years, we’ve had wonderful women stand up on the stage, on the biggest stage in the world, the stage of Miss Universe, and each of those women is shining, has always shined, and some of them are now up in the sky, giving us light from up there.”
She said the crown would serve as a reminder of the women who have appeared on the Miss Universe stage throughout its history.
“I’ve told the girls many, many times that only one of them is going to be Miss Universe, but all of them are somebody’s Miss Universe,” she said. “Remember that you’re going to see that crown, and each of the stones in that crown represents each one of you, each one of your stories, each one of your dreams, and each of the stories of the wonderful women who have been here before you.”
Robles emphasized Puerto Rico’s hospitality, saying, “I think we Puerto Ricans are known for being warm and festive. We are going to make these 120 contestants feel at home. We will introduce them to our culture, our cuisine, and everything good that Puerto Rico represents.”
She described working with the organization as an honor for herself and Puerto Rico’s government, adding that their collaboration would continue over the coming weeks.
“I hope this stage shows the world what Puerto Rico truly is, who we are, and what our culture is about,” Robles said. “I hope the world discovers that this island, measuring 100 miles by 35 miles, has so much to offer. It has multiple ecosystems that people can come and explore. Above all, they can connect with us in a very special way.”
Miss Universe 2025 Fátima Bosch of Mexico also attended the ceremony, interacting with fans and taking part in the unveiling of the anniversary crown.
Addressing the gathering, reigning Miss Universe Bosch urged the audience to support and encourage all delegates, emphasizing that each contestant carries the pride of her country onto the international stage.
