The organisers of Miss Vietnam 2014 have announced that this year's pageant crown will feature pearls, bringing its value to around VND2.5 billion (USD119,000).

 New crown for Miss Vietnam

The crown, made of white gold and featuring 18 natural pearls and one cultured pearl engraved with the image of an ancient Đông Sơn drum, also glitters with 1,000 diamonds.

Ho Thanh Tuan, director of Hoang Gia Pearl Company and Le Xuan Son and editor-in-chief of Tien Phong, also serves as the head of the organisation board. He announced that they had made a new countrywide record and have been registered in Vietnam Records for the crown with the biggest cultured pearl and highest number of natural pearls.

The organisers received over 1,000 applications, shortlisting 230 candidates for the northern competition. Afterwards 40 candidates were selected for the final round for the north, to be held from October 20 to 23 in Hanoi. In addition to the competition of candidates, the final round will also feature performances by well-known singers such as My Linh, Luu Huong Giang and Hoang Hai.

The final round for the south will be held on November 8 in Bac Lieu Province. This year, the judge panel will see some familiar faces, including Miss Vietnam 2010 Dang Thi Ngoc Han, choreographer Tran Ly Ly and head of the jury, Deputy Director of the Population and Family Planning Department Le Canh Nhac.