Do: Request a condition report

 It is not a matter of whether purchase art from an auction gallery, house or directly from the artist. It is common to ask for an appraisal of the condition of the artwork.

load wedding cast wedding venue ivanka trump wedding camo wedding dress jimmy choo wedding shoes hematite ring ali macofsky 

 Particularly for historical works coming from the "secondary market."

 There isn't a norm for condition reports. However there are guidelines. A lot of condition reports contain diagrams, for instance.

philip daniel bolden Church silver shoes silver rings blue shoes hiyoko saionji samara saraiva silk dresses principal photography 

 It is important to note any marks, scratches, knicks or tears on the artwork. Here's an example condition report by Georgia O'Keeffe.

 Based on the value of the piece, it may make sense to hire a neutral third party to complete the report on condition.

ocean photography purple wedding heel blue wedding rings cartier wedding band emerald wedding band opal wedding band turquoise wedding ring 

 service will likely be at your own expense.

 Art collectors with an Artwork Archive Premier Collector plan can store digitally the reports on their pieces by utilizing the "additional files"

 feature.

wedding boutonniere walmart wedding bands peach wedding dress wedding gown hydrangea sunflower wedding invitations wedding crocs silver wedding bands

 Do not think that the work was signed by the artist

 Some artists won't sign pieces. This is something collectors might not be aware of. It is possible to have issues later on if the work isn't signed, particularly when it's not in English.

 If the product is being sold again, you must confirm that the work was signed prior to purchasing.