Hettie Jago was born on June 16, 1989, likely in Somerset, England, after which her family later moved to Nottinghamshire. Growing up in a household immersed in antiques—her father was a passionate antique-furniture collector, and her mother worked as a florist—Hettie developed a strong artistic appreciation and early exposure to heritage items. This early environment naturally guided her toward a career valuing objects that carry stories and history.
She also has a sister, named William Sweatt, who is—or is becoming—a biology student and content creator. William publicly acknowledged Hettie as “the most successful sibling” on her Antiques Road Trip debut, highlighting a supportive family bond.
Education & Professional Origins
Hettie’s academic path includes attendance at St Paul’s Girls’ School in London and earning a History of Art degree from the University of Cambridge, graduating in 2011. She then returned to her roots in the antiques world, taking up a role at Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers in Nottingham.
Beginning in September 2020, Hettie joined as a photographer and cataloguer, quickly moving up to the positions of auctioneer and jewellery valuer by May 2021. Her eye for detail and depth of academic and practical knowledge helped establish her reputation in valuing mid‑20th‑century silver and gemstone jewellery.
Television Debut: BBC Antiques Road Trip
Hettie first appeared on BBC’s Antiques Road Trip in October 2023, debuting as an expert in a celebrity-special episode alongside Owain Wyn Evans and Dianne Buswell, then officially competing in the 27th series from November 27, 2023, against seasoned expert David Harper.
Audiences were captivated by her passion and informative charm. Hettie showcases her talent in sourcing heritage pieces, negotiating purchases, and auctioning them for a cause during the format’s “road trip” through the UK. She continued to appear regularly, including on “Celebrity Antiques Road Trip” and alongside experts like Tim Medhurst in early Season 28.
Business Ventures: Hettie Jago Jewellery
In 2016, Hettie founded Hettie Jago Jewellery, an independent online store offering curated pre‑loved vintage and modern silver jewellery, focusing especially on mid-late 20th‑century statement pieces—chunky chains, pendants, gemstone brooches—reflecting her expertise and personal aesthetic.
Her official website describes her professional roles: auctioneer, valuer within antique salerooms, and jewellery specialist—actively buying for BBC shows and sourcing quality pieces for her shop. She’s also active on Instagram (@hettie_jago) where she shares behind‑the‑scenes insights and a glimpse into her personal style and travels.
Personal Life: Partner & Children
Partner
Hettie is married to Tom Jago, a software developer and fellow Cambridge graduate. The couple exchanged vows around 2015 . Tom offers intellectual and emotional support and may collaborate informally in business ventures.
(Important: This Tom Jago is not to be confused with the late spirits-industry icon of the same name, who died in 2018 and founded Baileys and Malibu—those are different individuals .)
Children
Hettie and Tom share two young children, named Arthur and Matilda, and their family includes a pet Cockapoo named Bertie. The couple balances public roles with private family life, occasionally sharing glimpses through her social media.
Family Background & Influence
- Father: Antique furniture collector whose influence shaped Hettie’s earliest exposure to heritage items.
- Mother: Worked as a florist, contributing to Hettie’s artistic sensibility.
- Sister: William Sweatt, biology student and online creator; they share a supportive relationship.
Age & “Wikipedia”‐Style Summary
- Full Name: Hettie Jago (likely short for Henrietta)
- Date of Birth: 16 June 1989
- Age: Turned 36 in June 2025
- Education: History of Art, University of Cambridge (BA 2011)
- Career:
- Auctioneer & jewellery valuer at Arthur Johnson & Sons
- TV expert on Antiques Road Trip and Celebrity season since 2023
- Owner–curator of Hettie Jago Jewellery (est. 2016)
- Partner: Tom Jago (software developer, Cambridge alum), married ca. 2015
- Children: Arthur and Matilda; family pleasures include their dog Bertie
- Family: Born to antiques-enthusiast father & florist mother; sister William
- Specialties: Mid‑20th-century and statement silver jewellery
- Net Worth: Estimated at £1.2–1.5 million (USD ~1.5–2 million)
On-Screen & Industry Recognition
Hettie’s warm engagement style and expertise have gained her strong fan appeal. She is praised for authentic passion, crystal-clear explanations, and disarming humility. Her academic credentials combined with real-world insight resonate with audiences and auction clients alike.
In show highlights:
- In Season 27, Ep 12 (Aug 26, 2024), she navigated the Scottish Borders & discovered Victorian treasures.
- In Season 28, Ep 19 (Dec 1, 2024), she successfully sourced a bronze boat propeller while working with Tim Medhurst.
- She also appears in celebrity-special crossover episodes .
Business Ethos & Online Presence
Through her website and social channels, Hettie promotes sustainability, personality, and quality in vintage jewellery, with an emphasis on curated, wearable history . Instagram presence (~1,400+ likes on FB, LinkedIn etc.) indicates a growing, engaged following .
In Summary
Hettie Jago is a dynamic antiques authority known for her academic credentials, auction-floor charisma, and media presence. With deep family roots in antiques, a degree in art history, and a successful jewellery brand, she has become a distinctive voice in the British antiques scene. Her public trajectory continues upward as she gains prominence on screen and through her business, while maintaining a grounded personal life with partner Tom, their two children, and a loyal pet Cockapoo. Hettie skillfully balances heritage, elegance, and authenticity.
This article was produced for Newtly.
