Danielle Arnet
In her syndicated column, "The Smart Collector," Chicago writer and lifetime collector Danielle Arnet uses reader questions to educate and inform everyone from general interest readers to experienced collectors. "Smart" collectors know the ropes, thanks to her wealth of expertise, essential tools and inside info on how to negotiate through today's changing world of collecting.
Having bought and sold in shops, at auction and on eBay, Arnet knows the ins and outs of collecting from multiple perspectives. Years of collecting and observing, plus contacts with movers and shakers in the world of art and antiques, provide a wealth of sources for her readers. Tech savvy Arnet became "wired" to the exploding popularity of online auctions early on, and she is the only antiques writer to always supply Web and e-mail contacts. Now that 6.5 million new items are listed each day on eBay, online auctions are a valuable tool for collectors. Arnet helps readers find reliable e-sources, and provides tips on how to avoid online scams.
In addition to writing "The Smart Collector," Arnet is a freelance writer and journalist who covers the auction and collecting scene for Maine Antique Digest. She also contributes to several national publications. Her article "Why We Collect," written for Hemispheres (United Airlines), is required course reading at Harvard Law School. Other credits include USA Today (a regular column), USA Weekend, Woman's Day, The Rotarian, Modern Maturity and others. She was a weekly columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times for more than 10 years. She has also served as a regular contributor on Chicago's WBBM-TV and has appeared on WGN Radio in Chicago.
Arnet holds a master's degree and has served as lecturer in the department of comparative literature at Ohio State University. She and her collections reside in a suburb of Chicago.
Danielle Arnet Samples
Mass-Produced Daffodil Pin Worth a Bundle? Not Likely
Q: My daffodil pin marked "Danecraft Sterling" was on "Antiques Roadshow" a few years ago. A: Danecraft makes sterling silver based costume jewelry.
Is Yard Sale Masterpiece the Real Deal? Don't Take Seller's Word
Q: I picked up a painting at a yard sale held by a world traveler. A: Let me count the reasons why I cannot begin to quote you a price. Next, is it indeed by Heinrich August Schwabe, an American painter from New Jersey who lived 1843-1916?
Survival of Haviland Punch Set a Near Miracle
Q: My great-grandparents brought this Haviland set over from Germany. A: Images sent show a large footed porcelain bowl and nine footed cups without handles.
Cylinder Music Boxes: the 19th Century Home Entertainment System
Q: Value for a late 1880s to early 1900s cylinder music box in an inlaid wood case? A: First, let's clue readers about old music boxes. Basically wooden cases that hold metal cylinders, these boxes have a metal comb with raised teeth.
Vuitton Trunks Are Highly Collectible, so Find a Good Auction House
Q: I work for a lady who has a large, original Versace trunk that was her grandmother's. It is in great condition. This lady is 80 years old and would like to sell the trunk. --Carla.
Selling Old Coins? Beware of Sharks!
Q: My brother has silver coins from the 16th to 18th centuries, but no idea where to go to have them appraised. --Maribel. Q: I have old gold coins, but gold dealers minimize collector value and say they are only worth gold value. --Renee.
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