[2][3] At the end of the event, actress Piper Laurie crowned Armi Kuusela of Finland as Miss Universe 1952.

The competition featured the Romanov Imperial Nuptial Crown, which was previously owned by a Russian czar.

[5] After Miss America 1951 Yolande Betbeze refused to pose for a publicity picture wearing a swimsuit from Catalina Swimwear,[6][7] then-Miss Universe executive producer Oliver Reinhardt negotiated in with the officials of Pan American World Airways and Catalina Swimwear to sponsor the Miss Universe pageant, which will be held in Long Beach, California.

[15][16] Leila Teresa Tuma of Syria was supposed to compete in this edition, but withdrew due to political tensions.

[17] Brazil and the Republic of China were also invited to compete in this edition, but withdrew due to lack of preparations to organize a national pageant.