Antiques expert Izzie Balmer has lifted the lid on the best places to find hidden treasures (Image: BBC)
Antiques expert Izzie Balmer has lifted the lid on the best places to find hidden treasures, revealing where keen collectors should be heading to snag the best deals.
and star, who has made a name for herself as one of TV’s most beloved auctioneers, says there’s one type of fair that stands out when it comes to uncovering true bargains.
“For a day out, I would say Ripley Castle was a lovely fair; it had a great vibe, it wasn’t too big so as to feel overwhelming, everyone was super friendly, and to top it all the sun shone all weekend,” she shared. “But for Bargain Hunting? Probably one of the ‘biggies’ as there’s loads of variety.”
Balmer, who originally studied geography at Durham University before stumbling into the antiques world, has built a career from her ability to spot valuable items where others see junk.
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Balmer says nothing beats seeing an item go under the hammer (Image: bbc)
She admitted, “If I’m totally honest, I fell into the antiques industry. Upon completion of my geography degree, I realised I had no clue what I wanted to do.
I got a part-time job in a vintage shop while I ‘figured’ out what my future might hold for me; nine months later and I was none the wiser.” It was only after her mum suggested work experience at a local auction house that she found her calling. “After two weeks’ work experience, the auction house offered me a job and the rest, as they say, is history.”
Now a regular on Bargain Hunt, Balmer’s career took off after her appearance on Antiques Road Trip caught the attention of producers. “I’d been doing the ’s Antiques Road Trip for a year, and one day I got a call from the series producer of Bargain Hunt asking if I’d like to join the Bargain Hunt family. I couldn’t say yes fast enough and here I am.”
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Izzie recalled a Charles Horner brooch that made over £100 profit (Image: BBC)
As for the thrill of the hunt, Balmer says nothing beats seeing an item go under the hammer and exceed expectations. “When you really do spot that hidden treasure and you know it’s going to make a great profit, and then you see the excitement and delight on the contestants’ (and clients’) faces as it goes under the hammer at auction—it’s simply wonderful!”
Her most profitable find? A Charles Horner brooch that made over £100 profit. As for her biggest loss, she refuses to dwell on the negatives. “I’ve honestly no idea as I’m a positive person and don’t like to dwell on negatives.”
For those hoping to follow in her footsteps, Balmer insists experience is key. “Ask your local auction house to give you a couple of weeks’ work experience—you might just get a full-time job offer at the end of it!”