New crown lets luvulite shine

MISS South Africa will have one less man following her around this year. That’s because pageant organisers have swapped her R1million jewel-encrusted crown for one that’s a bit less of a security risk.

The new crown, pictured at the top of the page, is valued at R200 000 and does not require a bodyguard.

The previous crown — a platinum and diamond creation by Jack Friedman Jewellers — had to be guarded at all times.

So Sun International commissioned the luxury jewellers to create a new crown. “We decided on an indigenous crown with local stones,” said company owner Howard Friedman.

The new crown is named Enhle, “beautiful” in Zulu.

It is adorned with locally mined materials including sugilite, a relatively rare mineral that makes up the crown’s three largest rocks. The stone, also known as luvulite, was mined in Hotazel, in the Northern Cape.

The rest of the bling is courtesy of crystals, ame- thyst and white quartz.

“Sugilite is believed to have protective and healing properties. We hope it will keep her safe during her reign as well as help her unite our nation,” said Friedman.

“Amethyst is a stone that works in the emotional, physical and spiritual planes to provide calm, balance, patience and peace.”

Friedman said Enhle had taken a month and a team of six people to make. It features the names of the 59 former winners, “leaving space for 20 more names to be fitted”, said Friedman.