The winner of the Miss Universe 2008 contest will be crowned with a work of art made from 18K white and yellow gold and many precious stones valued at US$120,000.

The crown was designed by Dang Thi Kim Lien from CAO Fine Jewelry, a branch of Vietnam’s renowned Phu Nhuan Jewelry (PNJ) Company, and Rosalina Tran Lydster. It consists of 55 white diamonds (30 carats), 375 cognac diamonds (14 carats), 10 smoky quartz crystals (20 carats) and 19 morganite gemstones (60 carats).

According to the designers, the bright gold colour symbolizes Vietnam’s soaring economic development while the images of the traditional Vietnamese birds, the Lac, represents the nation’s spirit and culture.