Globally renowned jewellery tycoon dies aged 86

Sir Michael Hill, who turned a small family jewellery store into a $650m global empire spanning three countries, has died aged 86 after battling cancer.

Sir Michael Hill, owner of the multimillion-dollar jewellery chain of the same name, has died aged 86.

The celebrated entrepreneur stepped down from his role on the board of his world-renowned jewellery company in April to undergo treatment for cancer and died on Tuesday morning.

The millionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist was born in New Zealand in 1938, mere months before the outbreak of World War II.

According to a memoriam statement posted by Michael Hill International Limited, Sir Michael’s first love was music.

“As a young man, he dreamt of becoming a concert violinist, however – at just 17 – he was told he had started too late to reach the pinnacle of his craft,” a spokesman wrote.

Sir Michael was raised in Whangarei, on New Zealand’s North Island, where he attended Whangarei Boys’ High School until he was 16, at which point he elected to drop out.

“Forced to reconsider his future, he pivoted into the world of jewellery, joining his uncle’s family-owned store in New Zealand.”

Shortly after founding his own business alongside his wife Christine in 1979, Sir Michael decided they should expand into the Australian market.

Michael Hill was originally focused on music but changed his tune later in life to the jewellery business. Picture: supplied

“What began as a job soon became a passion. Sir Michael had a natural gift for storytelling, a keen eye for visual merchandising and an instinct for attracting customers and a gift for selling,” the spokesman said.

“He won international awards for his window displays and revolutionised the store’s advertising with bold, unconventional campaigns.”

Michael Hill Chairman Rob Fyfe said Michael brought a “deep sense of purpose” and an “enduring curiosity, open-mindedness and creativity” to everything he did.

Michael Hill International owns 302 stores globally across Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

In 2024, the business earn revenue of almost $650m.

Michael Hill’s jewellery has been worn by some of the world’s most famous celebrities, including Miranda Kerr and Kim Kardashian

Tributes have begun to flow in celebration of Sir Michael and the legacy he has left behind.

In a post on X, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Sir Michael’s “aspiration, grit and determination to succeed not only built a globally recognised brand, but also inspired generations of Kiwi entrepreneurs to dream big.

“He built a brand from scratch and gave back to the country that he loved. May he rest in peace.”

Sir Michael is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Lady Christine, and their two children, Mark and Emma.