Bud and Arline Brilliant’s “Brilliant Antiques” first appeared in the St. Louis Jewish Light on May 23, 1973. Their ads continued regularly through Dec. 1, 1982. By 1976, the ads began listing only Arline — a quiet handoff that would become lasting after Bud’s passing in 1992.
The business began by accident. On a trip to England, the couple bought so many antiques they couldn’t reach their hotel bed. Bud, seeing potential, had crates shipped home and rented a tiny storefront for Arline — despite her protests. “I didn’t want a business,” she said in a 2012 interview with Patch.com. “I just wanted to raise our kids.”
That storefront turned into a career. In 1979, the couple moved Brilliant Antiques to 8107 Maryland Avenue in Clayton. Arline recalled resisting the move — only to watch Bud shake hands with the previous owners mid-visit.
Arline’s eye and determination defined the shop. She traveled across Europe sourcing brass, silver and copper pieces — always choosing items she’d live with herself. Even after Bud’s death, she kept the business thriving for two more decades.
In 2012, at age 85, Arline announced the shop would close. Speaking to Patch.com reporter Nate Birt, she recounted stories from England, a surprise purchase by Liberace and her favorite line: “I resisted all the way and loved every minute of it.”
Arline passed away in 2016. Bud, a World War II veteran and store co-owner, died in 1992. Together, they built more than a store — they created a fixture of Clayton life and a Jewish business legacy.
