Izzie Balmer is an English auctioneer, valuer, gemmologist, and television personality best known for her work on multiple BBC daytime antiques programmes, including Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, and The Travelling Auctioneers. With her specialist knowledge of jewellery, silver, and antiques, Balmer has become one of the most recognisable and respected faces in the UK antiques world, admired for her expertise, engaging on-screen presence, and ability to bring historical objects to life for audiences.
Born in 1989 in Derbyshire, England, Balmer grew up in the village of Quarndon, where she developed a broad range of interests from an early age. As a teenager, she played the viola with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, an experience that reflected both her artistic sensibilities and her capacity for disciplined study. After completing her secondary education, she went on to study Geography at Durham University, graduating with a BA degree that would later support her analytical approach to valuing antiques.
After university, Balmer initially explored different career paths before her mother suggested she take a work experience placement at a local auction house. What was intended as a short stint turned into a lifelong passion; within a few weeks, she was offered a full-time position, launching her professional journey in the antiques trade. To deepen her expertise, Balmer went on to earn professional qualifications in gemmology, including the FGA (Fellowship of the Gemmological Association) and the DGA (Diamond Diploma) from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, credentials that distinguished her as a true specialist in jewellery and gemstones.
Balmer’s early career saw her working at Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers in Derbyshire, where she developed practical appraisal and auctioneering skills. In 2018, she joined Wessex Auction Rooms in Wiltshire as Head Valuer and Auctioneer, focusing on jewellery, silver, and fine antiques. Her deep understanding of items and confident public speaking soon drew attention beyond the saleroom.
Her television career began when she stood in for a colleague on Bargain Hunt, showcasing her expertise and natural screen presence. This led to further opportunities, including roles on Antiques Road Trip from 2019 onwards and appearances on other BBC programmes such as Flog It!, Make Me a Dealer, Street Auction, and Curiosity. She is also a co-presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, a show that blends expert valuation with storytelling and restoration.
In 2024, Balmer transitioned to working as a freelance valuer, auctioneer, and consultant, while continuing her television roles and joining the team at Clevedon Salerooms as a jewellery and silver specialist. Her career reflects a blend of technical skill, academic curiosity, and personable communication, making antiques and valuations accessible and interesting to a wide audience.
Away from her professional life, Balmer lives in Bristol, England, where she enjoys a balanced lifestyle that includes music, outdoor activities, and exploring the countryside. Despite her public profile, she maintains a level of privacy about her personal life, choosing to focus publicly on her work, passions, and contributions to the antiques community.
Introduction: Who Is Izzie Balmer?
Izzie Balmer is an English auctioneer, jewellery and silver valuer, gemmologist, and television presenter known for her work on popular BBC daytime shows including Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, and The Travelling Auctioneers. Her journey from a small village in Derbyshire to national television showcases a blend of expertise, charisma, and passion for antiques that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Early Life and Background
Childhood and Early Interests
Izzie Balmer was born in Derbyshire, England, around 1989 and grew up in the village of Quarndon with her parents, Sheila and Toby Balmer, and her younger brother, Hugh. Her upbringing in a rural, historically rich environment helped foster her early curiosity about craftsmanship, history, and the stories behind objects — interests that would later define her career.
Academic Foundations
She attended Durham University, where she graduated with a degree in Geography. While this might seem like an unconventional path to a career in antiques, the analytical thinking, research skills, and attention to detail she honed during her studies laid a strong intellectual foundation for her future professional work.
Stepping Into the Antiques World
From Work Experience to Full-Time Career
After university, Izzie found herself at a crossroads, unsure of what path to pursue. At her mother’s suggestion, she took on a work experience placement at a local auction house — a decision that would alter the course of her life. Within two weeks, the work experience turned into a full-time position, marking the beginning of her career in auctioneering and valuation.
Professional Qualifications
To deepen her expertise, Izzie pursued specialised training at Birmingham’s School of Jewellery, earning diplomas in gemmology and diamonds awarded by the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. These qualifications provide technical grounding in identifying and evaluating gemstones and antique jewellery, skills that distinguish her from many peers in the antiques and television industries.
Career Progression: From Auction House to TV
Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers
Izzie began her professional journey at Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers in Derbyshire, where she worked for over four years. Starting in a junior role, she quickly demonstrated her skill and dedication, learning the intricacies of valuation, auction preparation, and client engagement. Her expertise in jewellery and silver, combined with a natural flair for communication, allowed her to gain recognition within the auctioneering community. This period laid the foundation for her future career on a national stage.
Wessex Auction Rooms
In 2018, Izzie moved to the Wessex Auction Rooms in Wiltshire, where she became Head Valuer and Auctioneer. In this leadership role, she managed the jewellery and silver departments, conducted auctions, and mentored junior staff. Her ability to identify undervalued items and assess market trends made her an essential part of the auction house’s success. Working in such a high-profile role further established her reputation as one of the UK’s most knowledgeable valuers.
Going Freelance
At the end of 2023, Izzie decided to pursue freelance work, expanding her professional influence beyond a single auction house. She began consultancy work with Clevedon Salerooms, offering specialist valuation services for jewellery, coins, silver, and luxury items. This move allowed her to focus on the projects she is most passionate about, including high-value pieces and rare finds, while maintaining flexibility in her career.
Television Career
Beginnings on Bargain Hunt
Izzie’s television career began when she filled in for her boss, Charles Hanson, on Bargain Hunt. This BBC antiques show features teams searching for profitable items at auctions. Her natural charisma, in-depth knowledge, and ability to explain complex valuations in an accessible way immediately impressed viewers and producers. Her on-screen presence marked the start of a significant media career.
Antiques Road Trip
In 2019, Izzie joined the cast of Antiques Road Trip, a series that pairs experts travelling across the UK to find valuable items. Here, she honed her skills in presenting to a broad audience while educating viewers about antiques, their histories, and market values. Her expertise in jewellery, silver, and collectibles made her an invaluable part of the show’s team.
Other TV Appearances
Beyond Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt, Izzie has appeared on several other programmes, including Flog It!, Make Me a Dealer, and The Travelling Auctioneers. She has become known for combining technical expertise with a friendly and engaging style, helping make antiques accessible and interesting to audiences of all ages.
Skills and Expertise
Gemmology and Jewellery Valuation
Izzie Balmer’s formal qualifications in gemmology and diamonds give her a rare technical edge in identifying and valuing gemstones, antique jewellery, and historical metalwork. She is able to assess an item’s authenticity, craftsmanship, and market value with precision. This technical expertise not only serves her in auctioneering but also gives her credibility as a television expert, where viewers rely on her knowledge for accurate insights.
Auctioneering and Client Engagement
Auctioneering is as much about people as it is about objects. Izzie excels in client communication, presenting valuations in a clear, approachable manner while maintaining professionalism. Her calm confidence in front of both live audiences and camera crews has made her a trusted figure in both the auction room and on-screen.
Public Speaking and Education
Izzie frequently participates in industry events, workshops, and speaking engagements. Through these platforms, she educates collectors, aspiring valuers, and antiques enthusiasts about trends, appraisal techniques, and ethical collecting practices. Her ability to simplify complex concepts without diluting their importance makes her a sought-after speaker in the antiques world.
Personal Life and Interests
Life in Bristol
Though her work takes her across the UK, Izzie is based in Bristol. She enjoys a balanced personal life that includes socialising with friends, exploring new places, and engaging in creative pursuits. Her home life allows her to recharge and maintain the energy required for her demanding professional schedule.
Hobbies
Izzie is a versatile individual with a wide range of interests outside antiques. She is an accomplished viola player and has performed with several Bristol-based orchestras. She also enjoys outdoor activities, gardening, and has explored beekeeping, reflecting her curiosity and love for learning. These hobbies add depth to her public persona and show a life enriched by both professional and personal passions.
Recent Trends and Impact (as of 2025)
Expanding Audience for Antiques Shows
Interest in antiques-focused television has been growing, fueled by audiences who appreciate history, craftsmanship, and the stories behind objects. Shows like Antiques Road Trip and The Travelling Auctioneers benefit from this trend, and Izzie’s approachable style has helped bring antiques into mainstream entertainment.
Digital Valuation and Consultancy
The antiques industry is increasingly embracing digital tools such as online valuation services, virtual auctions, and remote consultancy. Experts like Izzie are expanding their reach beyond physical auction houses, allowing clients from all over the UK — and internationally — to access her expertise.
Raising Professional Standards
Izzie represents a movement toward higher professional standards in antiques valuation and consultation. With formal qualifications, ethical appraisal practices, and a focus on education, she exemplifies transparency and expertise in a field that historically relied on informal experience.
Real-Life Examples
Memorable Finds on Antiques Road Trip
One of Izzie Balmer’s most notable moments on Antiques Road Trip involved uncovering a piece of jewellery that had been significantly undervalued by its previous owner. Using her expert eye, she accurately assessed its historical and monetary value, ultimately selling it for a substantial profit at auction. This example demonstrates her skill in identifying hidden potential in everyday items, a talent that both fascinates viewers and benefits collectors.
From Valuation to Television
Izzie’s journey from a behind-the-scenes valuer to a television expert shows how practical skills and engaging personality can open doors in media. Her ability to explain the intricacies of antiques and jewellery valuation in a relatable and entertaining way has inspired many aspiring experts. Her career path illustrates that combining technical knowledge with strong communication skills can create opportunities beyond traditional roles in auction houses.
Practical Tips From Izzie Balmer
How to Start Appreciating Antiques
Learn the Basics: Familiarize yourself with different styles, periods, and materials used in antiques. Understanding hallmarks, maker’s marks, and provenance is crucial.
Visit Auctions: Observing auctions in person or online helps you understand how items are valued and what collectors look for.
Ask Questions: Engaging with experts and asking for explanations about valuations can expand your knowledge rapidly.
How to Spot Valuable Jewellery
Check Hallmarks: Look for stamps indicating metal type, origin, and age. Hallmarks are essential in determining authenticity.
Study Craftsmanship: Fine detailing, hand-finished elements, and quality settings often indicate higher value.
Consult Experts: For serious valuations or purchases, a qualified valuer like Izzie can confirm authenticity and provide an accurate market estimate.
Tips for Entering the Antiques Industry
Gain Experience: Intern or volunteer at local auction houses, antique shops, or galleries to understand industry workflows.
Pursue Qualifications: Diplomas in gemmology, valuation, or art history boost credibility and provide technical knowledge.
Network: Attend fairs, auctions, and seminars to connect with professionals, mentors, and potential clients.
FAQ
How old is Izzie Balmer?
As of 2025, Izzie Balmer is approximately 36 years old, having been born around 1989 in Derbyshire, England.
What TV shows does Izzie Balmer appear on?
She is best known for her appearances on BBC programmes such as Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, The Travelling Auctioneers, Flog It!, and Make Me a Dealer.
Does Izzie Balmer have formal qualifications?
Yes, she holds diplomas in gemmology (FGA) and diamonds (DGA) from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, providing her with expert knowledge in jewellery and gemstone valuation.
Can I get an item valued by Izzie Balmer?
Izzie offers consultancy services at auction houses such as Clevedon Salerooms. Valuations by her require appointments and depend on her schedule.
Where does Izzie Balmer live?
She lives in Bristol, England, but travels frequently across the UK for her work in television and antiques valuation.
Final Thoughts
Izzie Balmer’s journey from a curious geography graduate to a respected auctioneer, valuer, and television presenter illustrates the value of passion, expertise, and effective communication. Her career shows that combining formal qualifications with real-world experience and a charismatic on-screen presence can open doors to unique opportunities.
She represents the modern face of the antiques industry: knowledgeable, approachable, and adaptable to new trends such as digital valuations and online auctions. For antiques enthusiasts, aspiring valuers, or fans of engaging television, Izzie’s story offers both inspiration and practical guidance on pursuing a fulfilling and dynamic career.
Her impact extends beyond her professional achievements; she encourages ethical collecting, promotes learning and curiosity about history, and makes the world of antiques accessible and entertaining to audiences of all ages. Through her work, Izzie Balmer has not only shaped her own career but has also helped shape the broader perception of antiques as a vibrant, living part of contemporary culture.
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