Hettie Jago is quickly becoming a well-known figure in the world of antiques, jewellery, and television. As a British jewellery expert, auctioneer, and TV presenter, she brings a rare blend of expertise, passion, and personality to everything she does. Whether she’s evaluating vintage silver on Antiques Road Trip or running her own jewellery business, Jago is proving herself to be a rising star in a competitive and fascinating industry.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at Hettie Jago background, achievements, and unique insights into antiques and jewellery. Whether you’re a fan of her work or just curious about the antique world, this article gives you an in-depth look into who she is, what she does, and why she’s gaining so much attention.
Who is Hettie Jago?
Hettie Jago is a jewellery specialist and television presenter, best known for her role on the BBC’s popular antiques series Antiques Road Trip. With a formal education in art history and gemmology, she combines academic knowledge with hands-on experience in auctions, valuations, and antique sourcing.
Born in London on June 16, 1989, Jago grew up in a home filled with art, flowers, and antique treasures. Her early exposure to antique fairs and auctions with her father, who was a furniture collector, sparked a lifelong interest in historical pieces. Her mother’s work as a florist added a touch of creativity and design sensitivity, which is evident in her eye for aesthetic detail.
Educational Background
Education has played a vital role in shaping Hettie Jago’s professional journey. She attended the prestigious St. Paul’s Girls’ School in London, followed by a degree in History of Art at the University of Cambridge, graduating in 2011.
To further enhance her qualifications, she completed a certification in Gemmology through the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) in 2012. This training has equipped her with technical expertise in identifying and valuing precious stones and metals—skills that are essential for both auction houses and private sales.
Career Highlights and Achievements
- 1. Auction House Specialist
Jago began her career working with renowned auction houses such as Bonhams, where she gained hands-on experience in jewellery appraisal, valuation, and auctioning. Her role allowed her to work with rare and historical pieces, learning the intricacies of provenance, market value, and collector trends.
- 2. Entrepreneurship – Hettie Jago Jewellery
In 2016, Hettie launched her own business, Hettie Jago Jewellery, an online boutique specialising in pre-loved silver jewellery, particularly from the mid-20th century. The store offers vintage pieces with distinctive design elements, often sourced from renowned makers and curated with a keen eye for history and style.
The boutique has grown steadily, attracting collectors, fashion enthusiasts, and individuals looking for ethically sourced, timeless jewellery. Her offerings include rings, necklaces, brooches, bracelets, and even bespoke commissions.
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- 3. Television Career – BBC’s Antiques Road Trip
Hettie’s big break into the public spotlight came in October 2023, when she joined the BBC’s long-running program Antiques Road Trip. As a presenter and expert, she travels across the UK searching for valuable antiques to buy and sell at auction, often competing with fellow experts.
Her calm, knowledgeable, and warm presence has made her a fan favorite. Viewers appreciate her ability to explain complex historical and valuation concepts in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
She has also appeared on Bargain Hunt and Dickinson’s Real Deal, adding to her growing list of TV credentials.
Personal Life
Despite her growing fame, Hettie Jago maintains a grounded personal life. She is married to Tom Jago, a software engineer and fellow Cambridge graduate. The couple have two children, Arthur and Matilda, and live in the UK.
Balancing motherhood, a successful business, and a television career is no small feat, but Jago seems to manage it all with elegance and determination.
Areas of Expertise
- 1. Mid-20th Century Silver Jewellery
Jago has carved a niche in mid-century silver, known for its bold design and modernist appeal. She is particularly drawn to statement pieces—think heavy cuffs, sculptural brooches, and chain-link necklaces.
Her deep knowledge of this period allows her to quickly identify the origin, maker, and market value of such items.
- 2. Gemmology & Precious Stones
With a formal gemmology certificate, Jago is qualified to appraise diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and semi-precious stones. She combines lab-tested identification techniques with artistic intuition, making her evaluations both accurate and insightful.
- 3. Auctioneering and Valuation
As an auctioneer, she understands the dynamics of supply, demand, bidding psychology, and international collector trends. Whether dealing with private clients or TV audiences, she brings credibility and energy to every auction room.
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Hettie Jago’s Insights on Antiques and Jewellery
Over the years, Hettie has shared numerous insights that resonate with both new and seasoned collectors:
- 1. “Buy What You Love”
Rather than buying solely for investment, Jago encourages collectors to follow their instincts. If a piece speaks to you, and you can afford it, go for it. Passion should lead the way.
- 2. “Know the Story Behind the Piece”
For Jago, provenance and history are everything. A beautiful ring is even more valuable when you understand its origin, previous ownership, and cultural context.
- 3. “Quality Over Quantity”
She advocates for mindful collecting. It’s better to own a few high-quality, well-maintained pieces than to hoard a collection of mediocre items.
Net Worth and Online Presence
As of recent estimates, Hettie Jago’s net worth is believed to be around £1.2–1.5 million, based on her jewellery business, auctioneering fees, and media contracts.
Her online presence is steadily growing, with active profiles on Instagram and her jewellery website. She often shares new stock, behind-the-scenes looks at auctions, and educational posts about silver jewellery.
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Future Prospects
Hettie Jago is poised for even greater success in the coming years. Some potential directions include:
- Publishing a Book: A guide to collecting vintage jewellery or memoir-style reflections from her career.
- Launching a Jewellery Line: A bespoke collection inspired by mid-century design.
- Online Education: Courses or masterclasses on jewellery history, appraisal, and collecting.
Her authentic voice, combined with academic and industry credibility, make her a trusted name in the world of antiques and jewellery.
Conclusion
Hettie Jago exemplifies what it means to turn passion into profession. With deep knowledge, sharp intuition, and a magnetic media presence, she has become a go-to expert in vintage silver jewellery and antique collecting.
From her early days at auction houses to her growing fame on British television, her journey is both inspiring and instructive. Whether you’re looking to collect, invest, or simply learn about antiques, Hettie Jago offers the expertise, charm, and insight you need.
