PEARLS OF WISDOM

The crown Mikimoto created in 2002 for Miss Universe has 500 diamonds, totaling nearly 30 carats, and 120 pearls. The intricate design depicts the ancient symbol of the phoenix rising, which signifies status, power and the vision of great beauty.

In 1957, Mikimoto created the crown for the U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen of Washington, DC's National Cherry Blossom Festival, an annual event celebrating Japanese-American friendship that dates back to 1912. The crown is still being used and will be handed over to a new queen on April 11, 2008.