Introduction
Hettie Jago is a name that is steadily becoming synonymous with expertise, passion, and authenticity within the world of antiques, jewellery and British television. Best known as an auctioneer and jewellery specialist who appears on the BBC’s Antiques Road Trip, Hettie Jago represents a generation of experts who combine scholarly knowledge and practical skill with media presence and entrepreneurial spirit. From her early days surrounded by vintage treasures to her rise as a trusted expert on national television, Hettie Jago’s story blends heritage, education, and ambition. In this detailed article, we explore her background, education, professional milestones, personal life, and the impact she continues to have on collectors, audiences, and the wider antiques community.
The Early Life of Hettie Jago: Childhood and Influences
Hettie Jago was born on June 16, 1989, in Somerset, England, where her fascination with antiques began at a young age. Her early life was shaped by her family’s interests: her father was an antique furniture collector and her mother worked as a florist, nurturing her appreciation for craftsmanship, history, and design. These childhood experiences — wandering through auction houses, visiting fairs, and learning about craftsmanship — laid the foundation for what would later become a distinguished career.
Growing up in an environment where historic objects were more than just decorative pieces gave Hettie Jago an early education in appreciating the cultural stories behind them. Rather than learning about antiques purely from books, she experienced first-hand the emotional connection many pieces can hold, which later influenced her professional philosophy and approach to valuation.
Education: Building Expertise for a Career in Antiques
Education played a crucial role in shaping Hettie Jago’s ability to interpret and communicate the value of the objects she loves. She attended St Paul’s Girls’ School in London, where her interest in art and history was nurtured. After gaining a strong academic foundation, she went on to study History of Art at the University of Cambridge, graduating in 2011. This formal training equipped her with a deep understanding of artistic movements, craftsmanship across periods, and how historical context affects the value and significance of objects.
Following her degree, Hettie Jago further strengthened her professional qualifications by earning a gemmology certificate from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. This qualification provided specialised knowledge in gemstones, precious metals, and jewelry authenticity — skills that would be central to her later career as a jewellery expert and auctioneer.
Early Career: From Auction Houses to Jewellery Specialist
After university, Hettie Jago’s professional path began in the world of auctions, where she learned the intricacies of valuation and the nuances of antique markets. She initially worked in the jewellery department at Bonhams, one of the world’s most prestigious auction houses. This early experience helped her refine her expertise in jewellery appraisal, stunning designs, and rare pieces.
In September 2020, she joined Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers, a respected independent auction house in Nottingham. Starting as a photographer and cataloguer, Hettie Jago quickly demonstrated her exceptional eye for detail and technical understanding of valuable items. Within eight months, she was promoted to auctioneer and jewellery valuer, a testament to both her skill and dedication. In this role, she conducted live auctions, advised clients, and assessed jewellery and antiques for market value.
Hettie Jago Jewellery: A Blend of Passion, Style and Commerce
In 2016, Hettie Jago took a significant step toward her entrepreneurship by founding her own online store, Hettie Jago Jewellery. The business reflects her personal taste and professional insight, curating a selection of vintage and modern silver jewellery with strong character and historical value.
Hettie Jago’s boutique specialises in mid-to-late 20th-century pieces — bold chunky chains, distinctive pendants, gemstone brooches, and classic silver accessories that appeal to both collectors and contemporary fashion lovers. Her business philosophy emphasises sustainability, encouraging customers to cherish pre-loved items as wearable history rather than disposable fashion.
This entrepreneurial venture not only established Hettie Jago as a curator of quality pieces but also demonstrated her ability to blend academic knowledge, aesthetic sensibility, and market understanding into a successful brand.
Television Career: Antiques Road Trip and Viewer Recognition
While Hettie Jago had already built respect within auction circles, her television debut brought her expertise to a much wider audience. In October 2023, she appeared on the BBC’s Antiques Road Trip during Season 27, quickly becoming a favourite among viewers with her enthusiastic personality, clear explanations, and sharp eye for valuable items.
On the show, Hettie Jago travels across Britain with fellow experts, discovering antiques and negotiating purchases with the goal of earning the most profit at auction. Her ability to bring historical context and humour to the screen made her a standout contributor, leading to her becoming a regular cast member by November 2023.
She has also made appearances on related programmes like Celebrity Antiques Road Trip and other British antiques shows, using her platform to educate audiences about the stories behind the pieces she values.
Personal Life: Family, Home and Balance
Despite her increasing public profile, Hettie Jago maintains a grounded personal life. She is married to Tom Jago, a software developer and fellow Cambridge University graduate. The couple tied the knot around 2015 and live in England with their two children, Arthur and Matilda, and their beloved cockapoo dog, Bertie.
While her television presence means her work is viewed by many, Hettie Jago is deliberate about balancing her public career with private family life. She often shares professional insights and occasional glimpses into her world on social media, but places emphasis on keeping her children’s lives out of the spotlight.
The Influence and Legacy of Hettie Jago
Hettie Jago’s influence extends beyond auction houses and television screens. She represents a modern approach to antiques and jewellery that values education, storytelling, and sustainability. By making the world of vintage jewellery accessible to a broader audience, she has helped foster renewed interest in collectible pieces that might otherwise be overlooked.
Her approach to curating and explaining the nuances of design, craftsmanship, and historical context has made her a respected voice among collectors, fashion enthusiasts, and TV viewers alike. Whether through her personal business, auction work, or television presence, Hettie Jago continues to inspire others to explore the beauty and history behind vintage treasures.
Conclusion
Hettie Jago’s journey from a childhood surrounded by antiques to becoming a beloved television expert, successful entrepreneur, and respected auctioneer illustrates how passion, education, and perseverance can forge a unique and influential career. Her story reminds us that history and beauty can coexist in everyday objects — and that the right expert can bring their stories to life. As she continues her work both on and off the screen, Hettie Jago stands as a shining example of how expertise, heart, and personal integrity can shape a remarkable professional legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hettie Jago
1. Who is Hettie Jago?
Hettie Jago is a British auctioneer, jewellery expert, entrepreneur, and television personality known for her work on the BBC’s Antiques Road Trip.
2. What is Hettie Jago Jewellery?
Hettie Jago Jewellery is her online boutique founded in 2016 that specialises in curated vintage and modern silver jewellery pieces.
3. How did Hettie Jago start her career?
She began in auction houses, including roles at Bonhams and later Arthur Johnson & Sons where she became a jewellery valuer and auctioneer.
4. What TV show made Hettie Jago famous?
She gained national recognition through the BBC’s Antiques Road Trip.
5. Is Hettie Jago married and does she have children?
Yes, she is married to Tom Jago and they have two children, Arthur and Matilda.
