Sir Michael Hill, founder of popular jewellery brand Michael Hill, dies at the age of 86

Sir Michael Hill, the founder of global jewellery brand Michael Hill, has died aged 86.

Hill started the company in New Zealand and expanded to Australia and Canada.

The stores are a feature of many Australian shopping centres, with more than 170 stores nationally.

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Michael Hill International confirmed in a statement the businessman died this morning.

"Sir Michael was a celebrated jeweller, entrepreneur, philanthropist and committed father and husband," the company said.

"Sir Michael's first love was music and, as a young man, he dreamed of becoming a concert violinist.

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"However, at just 17, he was told he had started too late to reach the pinnacle of his craft.

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

"What began as a job soon became a passion."

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The company praised Hill's natural gift for storytelling, keen eye for visual merchandising, instinct for attracting customers and gift for selling.

"He won international awards for his window displays and revolutionised the store's advertising with bold, unconventional campaigns," he said.

Hill is survived by his wife Lady Christine, their two children and grandchildren.

It is the second death the company has announced this year after CEO Daniel Bracken died unexpectedly in February.

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