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May 19, 2021
As a homage to humanity, designer/artist Reena Ahluwalia has painted her interpretation of the “Mouawad — Miss Universe Power of Unity” crown — an opulent headpiece that features 1,728 white diamonds and three golden canary diamonds originating from Botswana.
The diamond painting was commissioned by Mouawad co-guardian Fred Mouawad. The piece will be auctioned, with the proceeds aimed at making a positive societal contribution and impact.
Ahluwalia often takes her inspiration from the reflective facets of diamonds. She has painted a series of historic Mouawad gems, including the “Mouawad Dragon,” a 54.21-carat round brilliant cut, fancy vivid yellow diamond, and the “Mouawad Dynasty,” a 51.03-carat round brilliant cut, D-flawless diamond.
“I paint diamonds to celebrate nature, our shining human spirit and humanity,” said Ahluwalia. “I believe we all are like diamonds — we come in all colors, we are brilliant and full of potential.”
Ahluwalia’s painting depicts an empowered woman in the form of a diamond wearing the Mouawad Miss Universe Power of Unity crown. The use of red and black in the piece was intended to convey passion and strength.
Ahluwalia envisioned a diamond female figure filled with light and limitless potential. The form confidently carries the resolve of being an agent of unity and greater societal good. The message is, literally, the crowning glory of the painting.
The Power of Unity Crown is the result of a partnership between diamantaire Mouawad and The Miss Universe Organization. The crown is estimated to be worth $5 million, making it the world’s most expensive pageant crown.
The crown’s centerpiece is a modified mixed-cut golden canary diamond weighing 62.83 carats. According to Mouawad, the large center diamond signifies a women’s inner strength and reminds us that in unity, lies power.
“The interconnected vine motifs set with diamonds are symbolic of how, through forging bonds among communities around the world, we can empower one another to become a force for good,” said Mouawad. “Likewise, the crown’s name, ‘Power of Unity,’ is a message to the world to unite in the cause of humanity.”
On May 16, Mexico’s Andrea Meza was crowned Miss Universe 2021.
Credits: Images courtesy of Reena Ahluwalia.
