Miss USA Olivia Culpo has been crowned Miss Universe 2012. It’s the eighth win for Miss USA; previous titles were won in 1954, 1956, 1960, 1967, 1980, 1995 and 1997. Culpo will wear the crown designed by Diamond Nexus Labs, which is set with 1,371 gemstones, weighing a total of 416.09 carats. It contains 544.31 grams of 14k and 18k white gold as well as platinum. The synthetic rubies represent Miss Universe’s HIV/AIDS education and awareness platform.
Wearing a gorgeous red velvet gown, quite fitting for the season, the Rhode Island resident beat out 88 contestants at the 61st Miss Universe pageant held Las Vegas’ Planet Hollywood. In the final stages of the competition, Culpo answered that she wished she hadn’t picked on her siblings when they were younger. Culpo will receive an undisclosed salary, a full wardrobe, beauty products, and a luxury apartment in New York City.
1st runner up: Miss Phillippines 2nd runner up: Miss Venezuela 3rd runner up: Miss Australia, Renae Ayris, 22 4th runner up: Miss Brazil
