Wikipedia Biography / Profile Background
Introduction:
- Susan Rumfitt is an esteemed independent jewellery specialist, curator, and lecturer, widely recognized for her expertise in antiques and fine jewellery. She is a familiar face on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, where she shares her extensive knowledge with audiences.
Interesting Facts and Trivia :
- Susan’s passion for jewellery goes beyond its material value – she truly believes each piece tells a story! She recalls a remarkable moment when a client presented a jewel wrapped in tissue paper, a discreet yet meaningful gesture often seen among collectors and connoisseurs. The most unassuming packages, she has learned, often hold the greatest treasures!
- One of Susan’s most fascinating discoveries was a gold bracelet that once belonged to Queen Victoria. Lost to time and then found quite literally on the streets by its unsuspecting owner, it carried an extraordinary story waiting to be unveiled. It is this ability to connect objects to their past that fuels Susan’s passion for jewellery.
- In her personal style, Susan favors pearls for their timeless elegance and versatility. She also has a fondness for Art Deco jewellery, appreciating its bold designs and vibrant character. For formal occasions, she often wears a Georgian rivière necklace, adding a touch of sophistication to her ensemble.
Education, Career and Net Worth :
- Initially aspiring to become an art specialist, Susan pursued a degree in History of Art and Architecture at Reading University. She later completed a postgraduate degree in Decorative Arts at Glasgow University in collaboration with Christie’s Auctions.
- Her true fascination with jewels began while working at Christie’s Silver Department in Glasgow. Sharing an office with the jewellery specialist, she became captivated by the stories behind the gems and the exquisite craftsmanship they held. What started as curiosity soon turned into a lifelong passion.
- After her time at Christie’s, Susan became Head of the jewellery and Silver Department at Phillips Auctioneers in Edinburgh. This role involved extensive global travel and the management of her own jewellery department in London, offering invaluable experience in the auction world. Despite the excitement, she felt a strong pull back to her roots in Harrogate.
- In 2002, she returned to Yorkshire and spent three rewarding years as a jewellery consultant for Tennant’s Auctioneers. Here, she not only deepened her expertise but also forged a deeper connection with the region’s antique community.
- Susan’s journey with jewellery had began much earlier, during a summer work placement at Sotheby’s Harrogate in 1991. It was then that she fell in love with the auction world, drawn to the intrigue of rare finds and the thrill of uncovering their histories. Her fascination only grew stronger with time, fueled by shows like Lovejoy and Antiques Roadshow.
- In 2006, Susan stepped onto the television stage, joining the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow as a jewellery specialist. Her ability to weave historical context into each appraisal quickly made her a respected and engaging expert on the show.
- A year later, in 2007, she founded ‘The Gallery’ – not just a place to acquire fine jewellery but a center for learning and appreciation. Through curated exhibitions, lectures, and discussions, she continues to share her knowledge, ensuring that the stories behind these exquisite pieces are never forgotten.
- Beyond television, Susan is an accredited lecturer for the Arts Society, a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, and a regular speaker at Goldsmiths’ Hall on Fakes & Forgeries. She also hosts monthly talks and selling exhibitions at The Gallery in Harrogate.
- Her expertise extends beyond the auction room and television screen – she is also a writer! Through her monthly column, Stray Jewels, she explores the captivating history, design, and discoveries of fine jewellery, bringing its legacy to a new generation of enthusiasts.