John C. Benjamin served a four-year apprenticeship at Cameo Corner, the Bloomsbury antique jewellers specialising in rare and historic jewellery from Ancient Rome to the nineteenth-century. He was International Director of Jewellery for Philips Fine Art Auctioneers, before setting up on his own as an independent jewellery consultant in 1999. A lecturer, writer and broadcaster, he has lectured extensively to professional groups, universities and societies in Britain, Europe and America, and regularly appears on BBC Television's Antiques Roadshow. He is a fellow of the Gemmological Association and was admitted to the Goldsmith's Company in 2000.

Gemmology and Gems in Antique Jewellery; The Evolution of Jewellery from Early Times to the 18th Century; A 19th Century Jewellery Panorama; Enamels; 'Fales Diamonds' - Paste Jewellery from the 1750s to the 1930s; The Industry of Death - Memento Mori and Mourning Jewellery; Cameos and Intaglios; Mosaics; Jewellery in Scotland; Jewelled Flora and Fauna; Jewels of Sentiment and Love; Reviving History in the 19th Century; Base Metal Jewellery and Materials; Accessories and Functional Jewellery; Silver Jewellery; Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau; Belle Epoque, Platinum and 'Garland' Jewellery; Faberge, Tiffany and Cartier; Art Deco Jewellery; Compendium