Miss Universe 1952 was the first Miss Universe pageant, staged at the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium in Long Beach, California, United States. The main event took place on 28 June 1952, with pageant activities in the city running from 23–30 June. Thirty contestants competed, hosted by Bob Russell. Actress Piper Laurie crowned Armi Kuusela of Finland as Miss Universe 1952. The competition featured the Romanov Imperial Nuptial Crown, reputed to include 1,535 diamonds totaling 300 carats and valued at $500,000.