Izzie Balmer is a prominent British antiques expert, auctioneer, and television presenter best known for her recurring roles on BBC daytime favorites such as Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, and The Travelling Auctioneers. A specialist in jewelry and silver, she holds prestigious diplomas in gemmology (FGA) and diamonds (DGA) from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. In 2026, Balmer continues to be a fan favorite, recently celebrating the recommissioning of The Travelling Auctioneers for its fourth season and her ongoing consultancy work with Clevedon Salerooms. Beyond the auction gavel, she is a highly accomplished musician, regularly performing as a violist in professional orchestras and string quartets.
Professional Background and Television Rise
Early Life and Unexpected Career Start
Born in 1989 in Derbyshire, Izzie Balmer grew up in the village of Quarndon with a primary focus on music rather than antiques. After graduating from Durham University with a degree in Geography, she found herself uncertain of her professional path and took a part-time job in a vintage shop.
Her entry into the auction world was serendipitous; following a suggestion from her mother, she undertook two weeks of work experience at a local auction house. This placement proved transformative, leading to a full-time position that sparked a lifelong passion for historical artifacts and eventually led her to specialize in high-end jewelry and silver.
Specialized Training in Gemmology
Unlike many generalist antiques dealers, Balmer sought formal technical qualifications to cement her authority in the field of precious stones and metals. she attended the Birmingham School of Jewellery, where she earned her FGA (Fellowship of the Gemmological Association) and DGA (Diamond Member of the Gemmological Association) diplomas.
These qualifications allowed her to transition into specialist roles, eventually becoming the Head Valuer and Auctioneer at Wessex Auction Rooms. In 2026, she utilizes this deep technical knowledge as a consultant for Clevedon Salerooms, where she hosts popular valuation days for jewelry, coins, and luxury items every Tuesday following their sales cycles.
Breakout Success on BBC Television
Balmer’s television career began under high-pressure circumstances when she was asked to fill in for her then-boss, the well-known auctioneer Charles Hanson, on Bargain Hunt. Her natural charisma and clear expertise immediately caught the attention of BBC producers, leading to a role on the series Street Auction.
In 2019, she officially joined the cast of Antiques Road Trip, competing against seasoned experts like James Braxton and David Harper. Her success on the show is often attributed to her “adventure-seeking” personality and her ability to find hidden value in obscure silver pieces that others might overlook.
Record-Breaking Auction Sales
Throughout her career at various regional auction houses, Balmer has presided over several significant sales that have made headlines in the antiques trade. Her most notable sale to date remains an oil painting by the Derbyshire artist George Turner, which fetched an impressive £22,000, far exceeding its initial estimate.
In addition to fine art, her expertise in jewelry has seen her hammer down a rare Rolex watch for £20,000 and a stunning diamond ring for £18,000. These high-stakes auctions have solidified her reputation as a formidable auctioneer who can generate excitement and drive competitive bidding in the saleroom.
The Travelling Auctioneers in 2026
As of early 2026, one of Balmer’s primary focuses is the BBC series The Travelling Auctioneers, which has recently been renewed for a 20-episode fourth season. In this format, she pairs with restoration maestros like JJ Chalmers and Robin Johnson to visit family homes across the UK, uncovering neglected treasures.
The show’s 2026 season features Izzie alongside fellow experts JB Broad and Bee Harford, focusing on “heartwarming stories” where items are restored to their former glory before being sold to raise life-changing funds for their owners. Balmer has described filming this series as a “highlight of her year” due to the emotional connection she builds with the participants.
Practical Information and Planning
Where to See Izzie Balmer in 2026
- Clevedon Salerooms: Izzie is available for valuations on specific Tuesdays throughout the year at the Clevedon site.
- Valuation Days: She frequently appears at Stoke Lodge in Bristol for public valuation events where fans can bring items for appraisal.
- TV Schedule: Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt air weekdays on BBC One at 12:15 PM and 4:30 PM respectively.
How to Get an Appraisal
- In-Person: Visit Clevedon Salerooms during their designated jewelry and silver valuation days.
- Online: Many salerooms Izzie consults for offer digital valuation services via their official websites.
- What to Bring: Ensure jewelry is cleaned and any original paperwork or boxes are included to maximize valuation accuracy.
Tips for Aspiring Valuers
Izzie often advises those looking to enter the industry to “handle as much as possible.” She recommends visiting local fairs, asking questions of seasoned dealers, and not being afraid to make mistakes on low-value items as part of the learning process.
Professional Musician and Violist
While the world knows her for her auction gavel, Izzie Balmer’s first love was the viola. Before entering the antiques trade, she was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, joining at the age of 16 after achieving Grade 8 with distinction.
In 2026, Izzie maintains a rigorous performance schedule alongside her filming commitments. She is a regular performer with the Bristol Classical Players, a prestigious symphony orchestra, and plays with the Brunel Sinfonia. She also continues to perform with the Cotswold Quartet, providing classical accompaniment for high-profile weddings and corporate events throughout the South West.
Life as a Freelancer in Bristol
Since transitioning to a freelance career in 2024, Izzie has made Bristol her professional anchor. She has spoken candidly about the challenges of working from home, which led her to become a prominent member of Origin Workspace, a community-focused coworking space in the city.
As of January 2026, Izzie balances her time between providing probate reports, managing estate valuations, and her consultancy role with Clevedon Salerooms. This freelance flexibility allows her to engage more deeply with the Bristol community, where she is frequently seen in independent bakeries—a self-confessed “guilty pleasure” involving flat whites and artisanal pastries.
The 2026 “Secret Garden” Beekeeping Project
One of the most surprising aspects of Izzie Balmer’s life is her venture into apiculture (beekeeping). What started as a curious hobby in 2021 has evolved into a dedicated 2026 project, where she manages her own hives in a private garden space near her Bristol home.
Izzie has documented her journey from a “novice in a bee suit” to a knowledgeable apiarist who advocates for urban biodiversity. In 2026, she often shares insights into how the meticulous nature of beekeeping parallels the precision required in gemmology, citing both as pursuits that require patience, steady hands, and an eye for minute detail.
Overcoming Industry Preconceptions
As a female expert in a historically male-dominated industry, Izzie has been a vocal advocate for younger women in the antiques world. She has noted that during her early days at Hansons and later at Wessex Auction Rooms, she often had to work twice as hard to win the confidence of older male collectors.
By 2026, her “blag it until you make it” mantra has been replaced by iron-clad authority. Her two prestigious diplomas from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain serve as a technical shield, allowing her to command respect in the saleroom whether she is valuing a £20,000 Rolex or a 15th-century gold brooch.
The “Instagram vs. Reality” Presence
Izzie’s 2026 social media presence is characterized by a refreshingly honest “Instagram vs. Reality” approach. She frequently contrasts glamorous photos of her in evening gowns for orchestral performances with “real-life” snaps of her in wellies at muddy country house valuations or covered in dust after a day in the auction storerooms.
This authenticity has garnered her a loyal following of over 20,000 fans who appreciate her transparency regarding the “unpredictability” of auction day. Whether she is dealing with technical “hiccups” on a BBC set or sharing a post-performance meal with her string quartet, her 2026 digital footprint emphasizes a balanced, multifaceted life.
2026 Seasonal Advice and Antiques Trends
Top 3 Jewelry Trends to Watch in 2026
Victorian “Language of Flowers” Jewelry: Izzie notes a resurgence in pieces featuring “ACROSTIC” gems (where the first letter of each stone spells a word like ‘ADORE’ or ‘DEAREST’).
Brutalist 1970s Silver: Bold, textured silver pieces from the 1960s and 70s are currently outperforming traditional delicate designs at auction.
Sustainable Gemstones: There is a massive 2026 market for “recycled” vintage diamonds over modern lab-grown alternatives.
How to Value Your Own Silver
- Check the Hallmarks: Look for the lion passant (sterling silver) and the town mark (e.g., an anchor for Birmingham).
- Assess the Maker: Items by renowned silversmiths like Paul Storr or Hester Bateman can triple the value of the raw metal.
- Condition Matters: Avoid over-polishing; “patina” is often more valuable to a serious collector than a mirror-like shine.
FAQs
Which Bristol orchestra does Izzie Balmer play for?
She regularly performs with the Bristol Classical Players and the Brunel Sinfonia.
Does Izzie Balmer have her own auction house?
No, she currently works as a freelance consultant, primarily for Clevedon Salerooms, rather than owning her own premises.
What is Izzie’s favorite type of food?
She has publicly shared that Italian and Asian cuisines are her top picks, and she is a regular visitor to independent Bristol bakeries.
Where did she study gemmology?
Izzie completed her FGA and DGA diplomas at the Birmingham School of Jewellery in the city’s historic Jewellery Quarter.
What is “Origin Workspace”?
It is a coworking space in Bristol where Izzie maintains a professional office and frequently speaks about the benefits of community working for freelancers.
Has Izzie Balmer ever sold a “fake” by accident?
While rare, experts deal with high-quality forgeries frequently; Izzie’s 2026 expertise is specifically focused on identifying synthetic diamonds and reproduction silver.
What is the name of her string quartet?
She performs with The Cotswold Quartet, which is available for bookings at weddings and social events.
Is Izzie Balmer a beekeeper?
Yes, she started beekeeping as a hobby in 2021 and continues to manage her own hives as of January 2026.
What was her first job in the industry?
Her first role was packaging and posting items at a local auction house during a work experience placement.
Does she play the violin or the viola?
She plays both, but she is primarily a violist and was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain in that capacity.
How old is Izzie Balmer in 2026?
Izzie was born in January 1989, making her 37 years old as of early 2026.
What is Izzie Balmer’s specialist subject?
She is an expert in jewelry and silver, backed by formal diplomas in gemmology and diamonds.
Is Izzie Balmer still on Antiques Road Trip?
Yes, she remains a core member of the expert team and is featured in the 31st series airing in 2026.
What musical instrument does Izzie Balmer play?
She is a professional-level violist and also plays the violin.
Where did Izzie Balmer go to university?
She graduated from Durham University with a degree in Geography before pursuing her antiques career.
Is Izzie Balmer married?
Izzie keeps her private life very guarded and has not publicly confirmed her relationship status as of 2026.
What was the most expensive item Izzie Balmer ever sold?
Her record sale is an oil painting by George Turner that sold for £22,000.
Does Izzie Balmer have a brother?
Yes, she has a younger brother named Hugh, who has occasionally appeared on her social media pages.
What is “The Auctioneer’s Daughter”?
This was the name of a blog Izzie previously ran where she shared behind-the-scenes insights into the auction world.
Can I hire Izzie Balmer for private valuations?
While she primarily works through auction houses like Clevedon Salerooms, she is often available for public valuation days and guest appearances.
How did Izzie Balmer get on Bargain Hunt?
She made her debut as a stand-in auctioneer for Charles Hanson, which impressed producers enough to offer her a permanent role.
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