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Since 1979, we’ve created beautiful pieces to mark your life’s moments. And it all began with a true love story of our own.

This is the story of a love that sparked a dream, still burning brighter than ever.

The Hill Family

Jewellery made to love, and for love - since 1979

In 1979, Sir Michael Hill and his wife Christine opened their first jewellery store with a simple yet groundbreaking vision: to make fine jewellery accessible to everybody. 40 years later, Michael Hill has more than 300 stores in three countries. We remain committed to creating quality jewellery for our customers to cherish for a lifetime. From 1979 til now and into our future, one constant underpins all that we do: we’re for love.

70's

The first Michael Hill store opened in the town of Whangarei, about 160km north of Auckland, New Zealand. Sir Michael’s aim was to make jewellery buying less intimidating and more accessible to customers, which was achieved by designing stores with larger, more inviting entrances and a modern feel. Most importantly, customers were also invited to try on jewellery as they wished.

80's

Michael Hill grew to achieve national prominence with a unique retail jewellery formula including dramatically different store designs, a product range devoted exclusively to jewellery, and high impact advertising. Michael Hill established an in-house workshop with a team of master craftsmen, and is one of few jewellers that continue the tradition today. In 1987, the company was listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange. In the same year, Michael Hill expanded into Australia with four stores in Brisbane.

90's

Throughout the 90s the company continued to grow and help customers mark their special life moments, guided by Sir Michael’s compelling vision - that inspired design and quality craftsmanship can help each person find their own inner shine. With a growing emphasis on engagement jewellery, Michael Hill became the first – and only – jeweller to offer customers a Lifetime Diamond Warranty.

00's - Now

In 2002 Michael Hill expanded into Canada with our first store in Vancouver. The company expanded our range to include a wide array of collections. In 2008, Sir Michael was awarded the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and in 2011, he was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business and the arts. Today, the Michael Hill company serves thousands of customers every year by celebrating love in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

A continued dedication to quality

A commitment to craftsmanship and quality has always been at the core of Michael Hill. As we continue to create new and diverse collections for our customers to love, our jewellery will always be made with a focus on quality, responsibility, and authenticity.

The Michael Hill Foundation

The Michael Hill Foundation focuses on empowering women and restoring nature. They achieve this through ongoing initiatives and partnerships with charities, aiming to improve women's lives and conserve nature in local communities while working towards sustainability goals for 2030.

Learn more ›