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Izzie Balmer (born 1989) is an English auctioneer, valuer, and television presenter, best known for her appearances on BBC daytime shows such as Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, and The Travelling Auctioneers. She is a specialist in jewellery and silver.
Balmer was born in Derbyshire, England, around 1989 [1] and grew up in Quarndon. A talented musician, she played the viola with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain from the age of 16. She later 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.
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 Charlie 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. [3]
Balmer's achievements in the antiques industry have been publicly acknowledged with the following awards:
| Year | Award or achievement | Award body | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Named one of the "30 Under 30 Rising Stars" | Antiques Trade Gazette | [4] |
| 2020 | Nominated for the "Young Achiever of the Year" award | National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers |