By Bemi Brooks 
Ever wondered who the experts are behind those thrilling auction moments on your screen? For Hettie Jago, a practicing British auctioneer, every heirloom tells a story waiting to be valued and told. Let’s pull back the curtain on the real work of this on-screen specialist.
While many know her as a familiar face on TV, Hettie Jago’s primary career is rooted in the fast-paced world of the auction house. Her core identity is that of a practicing British auctioneer and a specialist in jewellery & silver. This isn’t just a TV persona—it’s her day job, and that deep, practical experience is what makes her screen insights so authoritative.
Imagine an auctioneer’s expertise as a master key. For Hettie Jago, that key is finely cut to unlock the history, craftsmanship, and true value of precious metals and gems. Her specialism isn’t just about knowing what’s pretty; it’s a deep scholarly and market-driven understanding. Here’s a breakdown of what that involves:
| Area of Specialism | What It Involves | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Period Jewellery | Dating pieces, identifying hallmarks, understanding stylistic eras from Georgian to Art Deco. | Context can transform a “pretty brooch” into a valuable Victorian treasure with a compelling story. |
| Silverware | Assessing maker’s marks, purity (sterling vs. plate), form, and historical use. | A teapot isn’t just for tea; it’s a snapshot of social history, craftsmanship, and economic trends. |
| Valuation for Market | Knowing what collectors desire right now, tracking sale results, and forecasting trends. | This bridges the critical gap between an item’s sentimental value and its current auction reality. |
So, how does her day job enhance her television appearances? Contrary to the belief that TV experts are just presenters, Hettie’s regular work at the rostrum means she brings live, current market intelligence to every valuation she gives on screen. She’s not working from a stale textbook; she’s reacting to what sold just last week.
For instance, take a hypothetical viewer named Sarah who brought in a Georgian silver snuff box. Hettie Jago could not only date it through its hallmarks but also reference a nearly identical piece she’d sold just the previous month, giving Sarah a thrillingly accurate and current valuation. That’s the power of a practicing auctioneer—her knowledge is perpetually refreshed.
But what does that practice actually look like? It’s a captivating blend of quiet analysis and public performance. Furthermore, it’s not all gavels and grand sales. Much of Hettie Jago’s work is quiet, meticulous detective work—peering through a loupe, scouring reference books, and piecing together an object’s past from clues etched into its surface.
This research fuels cataloguing, client consultations, and finally, the adrenaline-fueled rhythm of the live auction. Here, her skill isn’t just about talking fast. Interestingly, it’s about controlled pace, perception, and building a compelling narrative around each lot to achieve the best price for the seller. Ultimately, think of her specialist knowledge as a layer cake—the foundational sponge is auction house procedure, the rich filling is her deep dive into jewellery and silver, and the icing is her ability to communicate that knowledge with clarity and warmth on television.
Inspired by Hettie Jago’s expertise? Here’s how to look at your own items with a more informed eye:
- Look for the marks: Before you research anything else, find any hallmarks or maker’s stamps on your jewellery or silver. These are the first clues.
- Context is key: Note down any family stories or known history attached to the piece. Provenance can be as valuable as the materials.
- Follow the experts: Watching valuers like Hettie Jago on shows can train your eye to notice the details professionals look for first.
What item in your home holds a story you’ve yet to discover the value of?
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What is Hettie Jago best known for?
While prominent as a TV antiques expert, she is primarily known within the trade as a practicing auctioneer and specialist in jewellery and silver.
Where does Hettie Jago work as an auctioneer?
(Update this with verified, current information at the time of writing, e.g., “She is a senior auctioneer and valuer at a leading UK firm such as…”).
How does one become a specialist auctioneer like Hettie Jago?
It typically combines formal gemmological or arts education with years of hands-on, cataloguing experience in a specific saleroom department—learning objects by literally handling thousands of them.
What’s the difference between an auctioneer and a valuer?
An auctioneer conducts sales and manages the auction process. A valuer determines an object’s worth. Hettie Jago expertly performs both roles, with her valuations directly informing her auctioneering.
Why is specialism in fields like silver so important?
Specialism allows for precise dating, authentication, and market valuation that generalists might miss. This ensures sellers get accurate advice and buyers can bid with confidence.
Can I get a valuation from Hettie Jago?
Members of the public can typically get valuations at public events where she is appearing or through the auction house she represents.
What’s the most common misconception about her job?
That it’s purely about the drama of the auction. The vast majority of work is detailed research, cataloguing, and client consultation—the auction itself is the final, public act.