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
'One of a Kind' Doesn't Necessarily Mean Valuable
Q: I bought this model of a sailing ship decades ago in Indonesia. --Margaret, Ft. Q: Your column had a picture of a valuable carousel horse. --Rachel, Eagle Lake, Maine.
Finish and Patina Just as Important as Design in Value of Arts and Crafts Collectibles
Q: I have a four-piece hammered copper desk set with the Roycroft mark. --Virginia, Green Valley, Ariz. Q: My cigarette box and marching match holder stamped "China" are at least 50 years old. --Debby, Las Vegas.
Hat Box Another Example of Objects Made in Orient for Export
Q: Can you help me ID this octagonal object? --South Florida cybercollector. A: Images sent show an oddly shaped wooden box with brass studs and hardware. Phillip Cha, owner of Asian House of Chicago, buys and sells fine Oriental art and antiques.
Licensing and Reprints
TMS Licensing: We license popular cartoon characters, puzzles and content from renowned creators for print, interactive, TV and film, mobile and board games. TMS also licenses unique commentary in politics, travel, health, business and other categories.
TMS reprints: We grant websites, newsletters, books and other publications permission to reprint any of the 150-plus columns, cartoons, magazine articles, photos and graphics found in our catalog. This content also can be used in corporate communications and training materials.