Michael Hill plots global diamond ring contest

9.0 k views | Posted October 05, 2010 | By Sonia Nair

Jewellery giant Michael Hill is poised to launch a global competition to find the ‘world’s best couple’ and has put a 22-carat princess-cut diamond ring up for grabs.

The retailer, which was founded in New Zealand but now has more stores in Australia, as well as a raft of outlets in the US and Canada, will kick off the “Ultimate Engagement Ring – Search for the World’s Best Couple” contest in New York’s Rockefeller Centre next month.

American reality TV star Kim Kardashian will model the ring at its launch. After that, chief executive Michael Hill will embark on a tour to show off the diamond ring in nine cities between October 19 and November 4.

Couples who enter the contest will have to compete in a series of online challenges. Six shortlisted couples will advance to the next round of the competition where a panel of judges will choose one winner.

The victorious couple will be flown to Chicago where they will then be presented with the ultimate engagement ring.

Hill said the diamond that inspired this contest was one of the highest grades he had ever seen. The 22-carat ring is surrounded by 0.60 carats of accent diamonds set in platinum.

“The cut, clarity, colour and carat of this diamond is absolutely brilliant,” Hill said in a statement.

Hill said diamonds “epitomised old world Hollywood glamour” and said he looked to iconic figures such as Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe as inspiration when it came to designing the ring.

The contest is free and open to anyone over the age of 18 in Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada. Contestants have to be dating, engaged or already married. Competitors can enter the contest through social networking websites or at www.My22ct.com.

Michael Hill was launched in 1979 and now has more than 250 stores in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States.

More reading:
Michael Hill earnings' soar
More stores for Michael Hill