Jewellery pioneer Sir Michael Hill has died, aged 86.

Michael Hill International Limited released an official statement on NZX announcing the passing of its founder and non-executive director.

Hill was a celebrated jeweller, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

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Together with his wife, Lady Christine, he founded and grew Michael Hill from its humble beginnings in Whangārei, New Zealand to a global retail jewellery brand that spans Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Hill’s first love was music and he dreamed of becoming a concert violinist. But, at the age of 17, Hill was told he had taken up the instrument too late in life.

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

“What began as a job soon became a passion.

“Sir Michael had a natural gift for storytelling, a keen eye for visual merchandising, an instinct for attracting customers and a gift for selling.”

Hill met his wife Christine in 1964 and they were married a year later.

They went on to have two children, Mark and Emma.

The release from the company said the couple had connected “over their shared appreciated for creativity, craftmanship and storytelling — foundational values that define the Michael Hill brand to this day”.

In April, the company announced that Hill would be taking a leave of absence to undergo treatment for cancer.

A private memorial to celebrate the life of Sir Michael Hill will be held in Arrowtown, New Zealand.