Authenticity Standards

Authenticity and Artwork Standards

Every work on ArtRewards is held to a clear set of standards from the moment an artist applies to list their work to the day a piece arrives in your home. This page explains exactly what those standards are, what documentation accompanies your purchase, and what you can do if you ever have a concern.

At a Glance

ArtRewards lists only original, authenticated artworks from reviewed artists and sellers. Every listing is checked for accuracy before it goes live. Purchases include supporting documentation, and buyers have a defined window to raise authenticity concerns after delivery.

How Artworks Are Selected

ArtRewards is a curated platform. We do not accept open or unreviewed submissions.

Before any work is listed, our team evaluates:

1. The artist's professional background, exhibition history, and standing in their field
2. The originality and quality of the specific work being listed
3. The accuracy of all listing information, including title, date, medium, dimensions, and condition
4. Edition details and provenance documentation, where applicable

Works that do not meet our standards are not accepted. If a listed work's details change after publication due to a condition update, new provenance information, or a correction we update the listing before any sale proceeds.

What Authenticity Means on ArtRewards

When a work is listed on ArtRewards as an original, it means:

1. The work was created by the named artist
2. It is not a reproduction, copy, or unlicensed edition
3. All stated facts about the work  medium, date, dimensions, and edition number  are accurate to the best of the seller's and our team's knowledge

Works where authorship is uncertain or unverified are not listed as originals. If attribution is a known point of scholarly debate, this will be clearly disclosed in the listing. Buyers should not assume such works fall under our standard authenticity protection. See the section on Authenticity Concerns below for details.

Documentation Included with Your Purchase

The documentation that accompanies your artwork depends on the type of work and the information available. Where applicable, your purchase may include:

Certificate of Authenticity

An original work sold through ArtRewards is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). This document typically includes:

1. The artist's name
2. Title and year of the work
3. Medium and dimensions
4. A unique identification number
5. Artist or gallery signature, where applicable

The COA is issued by ArtRewards and forms part of the work's permanent record.

Provenance Records

For works with documented ownership history, provenance records are made available to the buyer at the time of sale. This may include prior exhibition records, auction history, gallery receipts, or estate documentation.

If provenance documentation is limited, this will be stated in the listing. We do not present incomplete provenance as full provenance.

Condition Report

A condition report is available for all works. It describes the current state of the work, including:

1. Any areas of wear, fading, or restoration
2. Known repairs or previous conservation work
3. The condition of framing or mounting, if included

If a condition report is not listed directly on the artwork page, you can request one before purchasing by contacting us at info@artrewards.net.

Additional Documentation

Depending on the work, additional documents may include:

1. Exhibition catalogues or records
2. Published references or critical reviews
3. Artist statements or studio records
4. Import or export documentation for internationally sourced works

Where such documents exist and are relevant, we will make them available to buyers on request.

Editions, Prints, and Limited Runs

ArtRewards distinguishes clearly between original works and editioned works. Each listing will state:

1. Whether the work is a unique original or part of an edition
2. The total edition size
3. The specific number of the piece within that edition (e.g., 3/25)
4. Whether the edition is open or closed
5. How the edition is authenticated by signature, stamp, embossing, or COA

Open edition prints are clearly identified as such. They are not presented as limited or unique unless stated.

If a listing contains an error in edition information, buyers are entitled to a resolution under our Buyer Protection Guarantee.

Signatures and Artist Markings

Where a work is signed, this is noted in the listing and will typically be confirmed in the accompanying Certificate of Authenticity.

The listing will specify:

1. Whether the work is hand-signed or bears a stamp, chop, or printed signature
2. Where the signature appears (front, back, lower right, etc.)
3. Whether the work is unsigned, and if so, why

Unsigned works are not presented as signed. If a signature cannot be verified, this will be stated clearly.

Condition Standards

All works are listed in the condition they are in at the time of publication. ArtRewards uses the following condition descriptors consistently across the platform:

Condition / Description

1. Excellent: No visible flaws; work appears as new or near-new
2. Very Good: Minor signs of age or handling; no impact on the work's integrity
3. Good: Some visible wear, fading, or ageing; fully disclosed in listing
4. Fair: Significant wear or restoration present; clearly described and priced accordingly

If a work's condition changes between listing and sale, for example, due to handling during transport before dispatch, we will notify the buyer before shipment and provide updated photographs.

We recommend requesting a condition report and high-resolution images for any work you are seriously considering. Our team is available to answer questions before you commit to a purchase

Provenance and Ownership History

Provenance, the documented history of a work's ownership, adds to a work's authenticity record and, in some cases, its value. Where provenance is known and documented, it will be disclosed in the listing or made available on request.

ArtRewards conducts reasonable due diligence to confirm that works offered for sale:

1. Are the legitimate property of the seller
2. Are not subject to competing ownership claims
3. Are not listed on major databases of stolen or looted cultural property

If you have reason to believe a listed work may be subject to an ownership dispute or have problematic provenance, please contact us at info@artrewards.net before purchasing. We will investigate and pause the listing while we do so.

Raising an Authenticity Concern

If you receive a work and have a genuine reason to believe it is not authentic or does not match the stated attribution, we want to hear from you.

You have 90 days from your confirmed delivery date to report an authenticity concern.

What is covered

1. Works found to be fraudulent or inaccurately attributed to the named artist
2. Unlicensed reproductions listed as originals
3. Significant misrepresentations that materially affect the work's value or character

What is not covered

1. Works where attribution uncertainty was disclosed in the listing
2. Disputes based solely on personal opinion or stylistic interpretation
3. Works purchased with knowledge that the provenance was incomplete or unverified

How to report a concern

Contact our collector support team at info@artrewards.net with:

1. Your order number
2. A clear written description of your concern
3. Photographs of the work, its markings, and any documentation received
4. Any third-party assessment or expert opinion you have obtained, if available

We will acknowledge your report within 2 business days and outline the next steps. In some cases, we may request an independent expert assessment as part of our review. If an authenticity issue is confirmed, we will work with you toward a resolution, including a full refund where appropriate in line with our Buyer Protection Guarantee.

Third-Party Expertise and Assessments

ArtRewards may consult third-party specialists, authenticators, or attribution experts as part of our review process. In complex cases, we may also recommend that buyers seek an independent assessment from a qualified specialist in the relevant artist's work.

Where a buyer commissions an independent assessment, they are responsible for the associated cost unless ArtRewards agrees in advance to cover it as part of a confirmed claim investigation.

Changes to This Page

We may update these standards from time to time to reflect improvements in our review processes, new industry practices, or changes in applicable regulations. When we do, we will update the effective date at the top of this page.

Questions Before You Buy

If you have questions about a specific work's authenticity, provenance, condition, or documentation before placing an order, our team is here to help.

Email: info@artrewards.net

Response time: We aim to respond within 2 business days

We would rather answer your questions before a purchase than have you feel uncertain afterwards.

These standards apply to all works listed through ArtRewards. Nothing in this policy limits any statutory consumer rights you may hold under applicable law in your jurisdiction.