In an unusual first for Australian politics, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced his engagement to partner Jodie Haydon on Valentine’s Day.
Albanese broke the news by posting a picture of the pair on social media with the caption, “She said yes”. Depending on the timing of the event, he is expected to be the first Australian prime minister to get married while in office.
Speculation immediately arose around the specifics of the custom-made diamond ring Haydon has since been seen wearing.
Albanese revealed that he chose Cerrone Jewellers in Leichhardt, New South Wales, for the ring. While the specifics of the piece remain uncertain, it’s believed to be a three-carat round brilliant cut diamond set in an 18-carat rose bold band.
“I sat down with him [Nicola Cerrone] and his daughter and went through what it would look like to design, and then we exchanged ideas about that, and they put it together,” Albanese told Nova FM.
“And that’s special because it’s one of a kind, which is the sort of work that Cerrone produces, and it’s made in Grayndler in the inner west of Sydney, which I’m really proud of as well.”
In April of last year, Nicola Cerrone was presented with a Medal of the Order of Australia at a ceremony at Government House.
He was acknowledged for his contributions to Australia’s arts, manufacturing and business sectors.
Albanese added: “He’s an amazing jeweller, and he employs these extraordinary artists and has always employed apprentices. I really admire the way he is so passionate about the Australian industry. And he exports to the world as well as supplies here in Australia.”
Cerrone oversees Australia’s largest handmade jewellery workshop, with an emphasis on elevating the next generation of artisans with apprenticeship programs.
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