POPE Benedict XVI will leave Sydney with some serious bling after his World Youth Day visit. Society jeweller Nic Cerrone and a team of his staff have for months been engaged in top-secret work - to create three commemorative pieces for the Pontiff, who arrives in Australia in July.
Rumours have circulated Sydney's Italian community that the pieces - a chalice, Communion plate and vessel to hold Communion hosts - are valued at more than $1 million.
Yesterday Mr Cerrone scoffed at the figure, but refused to give another one.
Church sources said the amount was about $120,000, with Mr Cerrone paying half and a private benefactor chipping in with the balance.
The A-list jeweller - fresh from creating a huge engagement ring for model Lara Bingle, who is set to wed Australian cricketer Michael Clarke - said he approached the Catholic Church two years ago with the offer of a papal gift.
He thought a large, jewel-encrusted crucifix would be ideal but after talks with church leaders, including Sydney Archbishop George Pell, he settled on the three pieces. They will be loaded with precious Australian metals and jewels, including rose, yellow and white gold and cognac and Argyle diamonds.
Mr Cerrone said the pieces represented the pinnacle of his career.
"I am in this country because of the Catholic Church," he said. "I was born in a small village in Italy and when my father wished to leave to make a better life for his family the church helped them to this country.
"We could have ended up in America, Brazil, Argentina or South Africa. Instead, we joined the Italian community in Australia and prospered.
"I wanted to celebrate that journey and make some very major pieces which celebrate this country. The pieces are very ornate with maple leaf and rose gold and the jewels from this country."
The Pope is expected to use the pieces for the closing Mass and vigil at Randwick Racecourse on July 20.
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