Hettie Jago, an auctioneer, valuer, and BBC Antiques Road Trip expert, has become a household name in the world of antiques. Known for her expertise, charming personality, and ability to appraise everything from mid-20th-century silver to gemstones, Hettie has made significant strides in a competitive industry. Let’s take a deeper dive into her life—both personal and professional—and discover how she became the respected figure she is today.
Early Life and Upbringing
Hettie Jago was born on June 16, 1989, in Somerset, England. Growing up in a family that had a deep appreciation for history, antiques, and the finer things in life, Hettie was exposed to a wide range of influences from a young age. Her father, an antique furniture collector, undoubtedly had a significant impact on her early interest in antiques, while her mother worked as a florist, a profession that could also be linked to Hettie’s eye for beauty and design. These family influences helped shape Hettie’s unique perspective on the world of antiques and collectibles.
Hettie also has a sibling, a brother named William Sweatt. While William is pursuing a career in biology and content creation, Hettie’s success in the world of antiques has not gone unnoticed. William has publicly acknowledged Hettie as “the most successful sibling,” highlighting their strong familial bond. It is evident that Hettie’s family has always supported her journey, contributing to her confidence and ability to thrive in a male-dominated field.
Academic Journey and Early Career
Hettie’s academic path began at St. Paul’s Girls’ School in London, one of the top private schools in the country. Her academic interests were rooted in the arts and history, which naturally led her to pursue a degree in History of Art at the prestigious University of Cambridge. Graduating in 2011, Hettie’s formal education provided her with a solid foundation in art history, which she would later apply in her career as an auctioneer and valuer.
After completing her degree, Hettie entered the world of auctioneering and antiques. She started working at Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers in Nottingham, a well-known firm in the heart of the UK’s antiques scene. Hettie initially took on the role of photographer and cataloguer in September 2020. Her job was to document the items for auction, ensuring they were accurately represented in the catalogues that would go to potential buyers.
However, her keen eye for detail and her academic background soon led her to more responsibilities. In May 2021, just eight months after joining the firm, Hettie was promoted to auctioneer and jewellery valuer. This was a significant milestone in her career, as it showcased her ability to assess and appraise valuable items, particularly jewellery—a niche she would become known for. Her expertise in mid-20th-century silver and gemstone jewellery gained attention, and she quickly established herself as a reliable figure in the industry.
Rising Through the Ranks: Auctioneer and Jewellery Valuer
As an auctioneer, Hettie is known for her confidence, precision, and ability to connect with both clients and buyers. She has developed a reputation for being highly knowledgeable, particularly when it comes to valuing jewellery. Her deep understanding of the nuances involved in assessing pieces, such as age, craftsmanship, and market demand, has made her an expert in the field. Hettie’s ability to appraise jewellery from the mid-to-late 20th century, such as chunky chains, gemstone brooches, and statement pieces, has earned her praise from colleagues and clients alike.
But Hettie’s work is not limited to jewellery. She also values antique furniture and other items, showcasing her well-rounded expertise in the antiques industry. Her ability to combine historical knowledge with practical auction skills has made her a standout auctioneer in a crowded field.
BBC Antiques Road Trip: A Major Milestone
In 2023, Hettie’s career took a huge leap forward when she joined Antiques Road Trip, a BBC program that follows experts as they travel around the UK, buying and selling antiques to raise money for charity. Her debut on the show, which took place during a special Celebrity Antiques Road Trip episode, was well-received by both viewers and fellow experts. Hettie’s presence on the show brought a fresh perspective, and her ability to communicate her knowledge with enthusiasm and clarity helped her quickly become a fan favorite.
During the Celebrity Antiques Road Trip episode, Hettie worked alongside celebrities such as Owain Wyn Evans and Dianne Buswell. Her ability to guide them in their antique-hunting journey while educating the audience about the history of the items they were exploring made her a standout figure on the show. Her expertise in auctioning and her charismatic demeanor helped elevate the program’s appeal, and viewers took notice of her professionalism and charm.
In the 27th season of Antiques Road Trip, which aired in November 2023, Hettie continued to showcase her auctioneer skills and expertise. In this season, she went head-to-head with veteran expert David Harper, competing to find and auction the best antiques. As the series progressed, Hettie became a regular on the show, gaining more exposure and expanding her fan base. Her knowledge and dedication to the profession have earned her recognition not just from her peers but also from television audiences.
Hettie Jago Jewellery: A Personal Business Venture
In addition to her work at Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers and her television appearances, Hettie is also an entrepreneur. In 2016, she founded Hettie Jago Jewellery, an online store that specializes in vintage and modern silver jewellery. The store features mid-to-late 20th-century statement pieces, including chunky chains, gemstone brooches, and pendants—items that reflect her expertise and passion for the art of jewellery.
Hettie’s jewellery store allows her to combine her career in auctioneering with her personal interest in fashion and design. It also allows her to showcase her distinctive aesthetic and passion for quality craftsmanship. Her jewellery pieces have become sought-after items for collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike, offering a unique blend of historical value and contemporary design. The store has helped Hettie establish herself as not just an auctioneer and valuer but also a respected designer in her own right.
Personal Life: Family, Marriage, and Children
While Hettie’s professional life is well-documented, her personal life remains just as significant to her. She is married to Tom Jago, a software developer and a fellow graduate from Cambridge, sharing both a personal and academic bond. The couple tied the knot around 2015, and together they share a loving and supportive partnership. Tom has been a key figure in Hettie’s life, offering encouragement as she navigates the challenges of balancing her career with her family.
Hettie and Tom have two children: Arthur and Matilda. Raising young children while maintaining a busy career has been no easy task, but Hettie’s strong family support system has helped her balance the demands of motherhood and her professional life. In addition to her children, Hettie and her family also share a pet Cockapoo named Bertie, who adds joy to their home.
Hettie has often spoken about the importance of family and how her parents, particularly her father, influenced her career path. Her father’s collection of antique furniture sparked Hettie’s initial interest in antiques, and her mother’s nurturing nature helped foster her creativity. Hettie’s family has always been her source of strength, and she values the close relationships she shares with them.
Hettie Jago’s Net Worth and Influence
As of 2025, Hettie Jago’s estimated net worth is between £1.2 million and £1.5 million (approximately USD 1.5 to 2 million). This wealth comes from her diverse career, which spans auctioneering, jewellery valuation, her online jewellery business, and her work on Antiques Road Trip. Hettie’s involvement in the antiques industry, coupled with her success as an entrepreneur and media personality, has contributed to her impressive financial standing.
Her work on Antiques Road Trip has also expanded her influence, allowing her to reach a larger audience and further solidifying her position as one of the leading experts in the field. Hettie continues to be a sought-after consultant and speaker in the antiques and auction industries, and her reputation for integrity and expertise makes her a respected figure in the business.
The Future of Hettie Jago
Looking ahead, Hettie Jago’s career is poised for even greater success. With her expertise, charisma, and entrepreneurial spirit, she is sure to continue making an impact in the world of antiques and auctioneering. Her ongoing work with Antiques Road Trip will keep her in the public eye, while her jewellery business will continue to flourish as it attracts new customers.
In addition, Hettie’s career in auctioneering and valuation will likely see her involved in high-profile auctions, where her skills will be in demand. As her influence grows, Hettie is sure to leave a lasting legacy in the antiques industry, inspiring future generations of auctioneers, valuers, and collectors.
Conclusion
Hettie Jago has established herself as a leading expert in the antiques industry through hard work, dedication, and a genuine passion for the field. From her academic background in art history to her role as an auctioneer and expert on Antiques Road Trip, Hettie’s career is a testament to her commitment to excellence. As she continues to expand her influence, both on-screen and in the industry, Hettie Jago’s impact on the world of antiques is undeniable.
