Miss Universe queens 'fight' over Mikimoto crown

By CNN Philippines Staff

Updated 12:39 PM PHT Thu, December 7, 2017

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 7) — Someone "took" the crown from Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters.

In an Instagram post Wednesday night, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach shared a light moment with her two successors in Dusit Thani Manila in Makati.

Wurtzbach and Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere were all smiles while playing tug-of-war with the Mikimoto crown, while the reigning queen feigned shock behind them.

South Africa's Nel-Peters was the first to be crowned with the Mikimoto diadem in 10 years.

The Mikimoto crown, designed by the Mikimoto Pearl company in Japan, has an estimated value of $250,000 (P12,678,750). It debuted in 2002 during the pageant's 50th anniversary.

The last to wear the crown was Japan's Riyo Mori, who won in 2007.

Wurtzbach had the chance to wear the famous crown during her last photoshoot for Miss Universe in January 2017.

The three beauty queens, along with other Miss Universe 2017 candidates, are in the Philippines for a four-day visit, as part of the Tourism Department's strategy to promote the country.

http://cnnphilippines.com/lifestyle/2017/12/07/Miss-Universe-queens-Mikimoto-crown.html