Nicola Cerrone caught the world’s attention with the creation of the Everest Trophy, contested last Saturday at Sydney’s Royal Randwick during the world’s richest horse race on turf with $20 million up for grabs.

Designed and manufactured by Cerrone Jewellers, the trophy is the latest creation to celebrate Sydney’s spring racing ‘carnival’.

“There will be no doubt which race this trophy was won at in generations to come,” said Cerrone, who continues his partnership with Racing NSW.

The trophy contains 46 carats of various semi-precious stones including amethyst, topaz and citrine, set in gold-plated metal with a purple velvet insert, along with 550 carats of black diamonds, 32 carats of white diamonds and two ruby eyes.

Cerrone is proud to have once again collaborated with Racing NSW to design and create a world-class trophy.

Set between Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens, the Everest Carnival once again put Sydney on the world stage by hosting eight stellar weeks of world-class racing from September to November.

Driven by passion and love for craftsmanship, Nicola Cerrone has always focused on creating unique, handmade, fine jewellery.

Born in Lanciano (Chieti), Abruzzo, on Italy’s east coast, he emigrated to Australia at the age of 12. After his studies he was employed as an apprentice in Sydney’s CBD.

Eventually, in 1972, he opened Cerrone Jewellers, Australia’s largest and most award-winning handmade fine jewellery house which showcases a special and exquisite collection of elegant custom-made jewellery.

In 1991, Cerrone Jewellers was commissioned by Argyle Diamond to design and create a necklace that would become known as the Million Dollar Necklace, the largest diamond necklace produced in Australia.

In 2006, Cerrone Jewellers was recognised by Italy and received a key-to-the-city award called ‘il Frentano d’Oro’ from Cerrone’s hometown of Lanciano, Abruzzo.

For World Youth Day 2008, Cerrone Jewellers had the honour of creating, for the closing mass of Pope Benedict XVI, three gold vessels (namely the chalice, paten and ciborium) that reflected Australia’s native flora.

His business has grown so much over time that his ‘flagship store’ in the suburb of Leichhardt has become a hub for over 50 employees.

Twenty years ago, Cerrone conquered the industry by winning the coveted De Beers Diamonds International Award for a piece he designed containing 559 diamonds.