Cerrone is celebrating 50 years in business this year.
The Governor presented medals to those who have distinguished themselves in the field of community service.
In addition, people from the entertainment, military, health, and artistic fields were awarded.
The ceremony was attended by his wife Carmela and their two daughters, Desirè and Dominique, as well as some close friends.
Governor Beazley emphasised that the awardees set an example for the whole community to follow.
To mark the occasion, a book on the Cerrone family business will be published in October.
‘Nick’ Cerrone’s talents have seen him awarded many times, with the jeweller winning the International Jewellery Oscar and the prestigious De Beers Diamonds International Award, which was presented to him in 1998 in Paris.
Cerrone also recalls, with particular pleasure, less prestigious awards such as “The Keys to Lanciano,” his hometown, presented to him in 2006 by the mayor at the opening of the festival in his honour.
Cerrone is still very active and wants to continue doing extraordinary work with his daughters.
He recently participated in the ninth edition of Vicenza Oro, which brought the entire gold and jewellery sector to Vicenza and Milan, the centres of the jewellery world.
At the age of 73, Cerrone has travelled all over the world, met people of different nationalities, and believes that being Italian is a great blessing because the culture provides us with all the tools and skills to survive, especially now that competition from abroad is making it more difficult to stay in business.
The 50th anniversary celebrations will serve as a reminder of the long road traversed with success, despite moments of difficulty.
The secret to Cerrone’s success, in addition to creativity and style, has been his determination for perfection, scrupulous dedication to work and respect and empathy for clients whom he has always aimed to please.
Success is also reliant upon the cooperation of his staff, consisting of 25 experienced jewellers.
They compliment his designs by applying their different specialisations and cultural influences for the best result, often working late into the night in order to complete orders on time.
He also regards the ease with which he has been able to work in Australia as important for his ability to achieve internationally.
The House of Cerrone opened in 1972 at his father's house in Leichhardt, a location that was the birthplace of the company’s first creations.
Eventually the business would branch out across Australia, and its jewellery was present at prestigious events such as movie premiers, worn by models of high fashion houses or VIPs who came to Leichhardt to ask Nicola to bring their ideas to life.
On the occasion of the 40th anniversary, Cerrone had created a splendid collection of jewellery with rubies, the official 40th anniversary stone.
They also make precious engagement rings with Australian diamonds in their original pink, cognac and champagne colours, which Cerrone is known for all over the world.
In 1991 the “Million Dollar Necklace”, Australia's largest diamond necklace composed of hundreds of diamonds totalling 230 carats, was commissioned from Cerrone by Argyle Diamond Mine.
For Cerrone, clients become part of his family and receive ongoing assistance when they purchase a piece, remaining connected to his company for cleaning, repairs and maintenance.
