Hettie Jago: The Story Behind The Age-Defying Antique Expert and TV Star

Hettie Jago

Last Updated on September 26, 2025 by Salman Ahmad

If the name Hettie Jago sparks images of vintage jewelry, charming auction houses, and the gleam of silver treasures, you’re not far off. Known for her sharp eye and warm on-screen presence, Hettie is fast becoming one of the most beloved experts on BBC’s Antiques Road Trip and beyond. But there’s much more to her than just the antiques she loves—let’s take a deep, friendly dive into her life, age, career, and the passion that fuels her fascinating journey.

How Old is Hettie Jago? Breaking Down the Age Question

Hettie Jago is a renowned British auctioneer and antiques expert, best known for her charismatic presence on BBC’s Antiques Road Trip. Born on June 16, 1989, in London, she combines her deep knowledge of antique silver and jewellery with a passion for discovering hidden treasures. Hettie has built her career working with prestigious auction houses, including Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers, and has gained a dedicated following on social media for sharing insights into the antiques world. Married to Tom Jago, she balances her professional success with family life, inspiring many as a modern figure in the antiques and auctioneering industry.

Why mention her age? Because it’s a testament to her skill, dedication, and charm that she’s achieved so much so quickly. In an industry filled with history and tradition, Hettie brings a fresh, youthful spark that connects with all generations.

From London Roots to Antique Glory: Hettie’s Early Life

Growing up in London, Hettie’s childhood was steeped in the beauty of the old and the artistic. Her father’s love for antique furniture exposed her to exquisite craftsmanship from an early age, while her mother’s nurturing touch as a gardener and florist added a flair for detail and elegance.

Education played its role too—she attended St Paul’s Girls’ School, a place known for inspiring strong, creative minds. Later, she pursued History of Art at the University of Cambridge, graduating in 2011 with honors. The blend of academic rigor and personal interest gave Hettie a strong foundation to dive into the world of antiques with both heart and intellect.

From London Roots to Antique Glory: Hettie’s Early Life

Shortly after university, she earned a Gemmology Certificate from the Gemological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) in 2012—an essential qualification for anyone aspiring to become a jewelry expert. This certificate put her on the map as a specialist in precious stones and materials, a niche that would soon fuel her career.

Personal Life and Family

Behind every successful woman is a support system, and for Hettie, it’s her husband Tom Jago, a fellow Cambridge graduate and software developer.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Hettie Jago (@hettie_jago)

Together, they’ve built a home filled with love, laughter, and vibrant energy, along with their two children Matilda and Arthur—plus a beloved family dog adding that extra dose of joy.

AttributeDetails
Date of BirthJune 16, 1989
Age (2025)36 years
EducationCambridge University, Gem-A Certificate
Career HighlightsAuctioneer, Jewelry Expert, TV Personality
TV ShowsAntiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, Real Deal
Business VenturesHettie Jewellery Online Boutique
FamilyMarried to Tom Jago, 2 children
SpecialtyAntique silver & mid-20th-century jewelry

Balancing motherhood with career ambitions isn’t easy, but Hettie manages to keep hitting every milestone with style and grace, sharing the ups and downs occasionally on her social media, making her incredibly relatable to fans and followers.

A Career Shaped by Passion and Persistence

Hettie’s professional journey began at Bonhams, one of the oldest and most prestigious auction houses, where she started as a junior jewelry expert. From photography and cataloguing to auctioneering and jewelry valuation, she quickly showed a knack for all things vintage, particularly statement silver jewelry and mid-to-late 20th-century pieces.

Her move to Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers in Nottingham as a valuer and auctioneer was a turning point—it’s where her expertise deepened, and her passion for discovering rare treasures flourished.

In parallel, she launched Hettie Jewellery, an online boutique dedicated to pre-owned silver jewelry, blending entrepreneurship with personal flair.

The BBC and the Spotlight: Television Fame

In 2023, Hettie took the spotlights of BBC’s Antiques Road Trip, instantly winning over audiences with her friendly demeanor, sharp wit, and encyclopedic knowledge. But her media presence doesn’t stop there—she’s also appeared on Bargain Hunt and ITV’s Dickinson’s Real Deal.

Viewers appreciate how approachable she is—whether she’s uncovering a priceless heirloom or sharing the quirks behind a tarnished brooch. Her social media feeds provide fans a peek into the life behind the scenes, from hard work to family moments.

What Makes Hettie Jago a Modern Antique Authority?

  • Deep Knowledge: More than just an expert, Hettie’s grasp of gemmology and art history ensures that every piece she handles tells a story.
  • Young, Relatable, Professional: She’s a rare blend of academia, professionalism, and everyday charm that resonates across generations.
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit: Running her boutique shows her business savvy and passion for curating quality jewellery.
  • Mentor and Role Model: Inspiring young women in a traditionally male-dominated field—she’s proof of breaking barriers.

What’s Next for Hettie?

With her rising profile, bright future awaits. Expect more TV appearances, exciting expansion of her jewellery boutique, and possibly even educational ventures where she can mentor budding antique experts. Whatever she does, she carries the torch gracefully—bridging history with modernity, knowledge with passion.

Wrapping Up: Why Hettie Jago Matters

Hettie Jago is not just about antiques or glamorous TV spots—she’s about embracing heritage with heart, succeeding through passion, and inspiring through authenticity. At 36, she represents a new generation of experts who don’t just preserve the past but bring it alive in relevant, fun, and accessible ways.

Suggested reads: Hugo Bachega: The Global Storyteller With Brazilian-British Roots

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