Izzie Balmer
Izzie Balmer (born 1989) is an English auctioneer, valuer, and television presenter on the BBC daytime shows Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, and The Travelling Auctioneers. She is a specialist in jewellery and silver.
Early life and education
Balmer was born in Derbyshire, England, around 1989[1] and grew up in Quarndon. She played the viola with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain from the age of 16 and graduated from Durham University with a degree in Geography. Following her degree, Balmer was unsure of her career path. Her mother suggested she take a work experience placement at a local auction house, which led to a full-time position.[2]
Balmer later trained as a gemmologist and earned diplomas in both gemmology (FGA) and diamonds (DGA) from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain.[3]
Career
Balmer began her career at Hansons Auctioneers, in Derbyshire, where she worked for four and a half years before moving to Wiltshire. From 2018 to 2023, she served as Head Valuer and Auctioneer at Wessex Auction Rooms. She became a freelance valuer, auctioneer, and presenter in 2024, and began a consultancy role with Clevedon Salerooms.
Balmer's television career began when she stood in for her boss Charles Hanson on Bargain Hunt. She was later cast as a co-presenter on the BBC's Street Auction. In 2019, she joined the cast of Antiques Road Trip and has also appeared on its celebrity version. She is also a co-presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers. She has also appeared in Flog It!, Make Me A Dealer, and Curiosity.[4]
Recognition
Balmer has won the following awards:
| Year | Award or achievement | Award body | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Named one of the "30 Under 30 Rising Stars" | Antiques Trade Gazette | [5] |
| 2020 | Nominated for the "Young Achiever of the Year" award | National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers |
References
- ↑ Jones, Amy (8 January 2024). "BBC Bargain Hunt's Izzie Balmer's life off screen including surprising hobby". OK Magazine.
- ↑ Morris, Sasha (4 May 2024). "Bargain Hunt Izzie Balmer's life – career change, love life and 'no money'". Daily Express.
- ↑ "FGA and GDA register, search for Isabel Balmer".
- ↑ "Bargain Hunt – Izzie Balmer". BBC One. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
- ↑ "Izzie Balmer: The Antiques Expert Who Loves a Challenge". Rox Time. August 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2025.