How We Appraise Oriental and Persian Area Rugs

A Look Into An Oriental Rug Appraisers Crystal Ball.

For centuries, Oriental and Persian rugs have captivated collectors and homeowners with their exquisite craftsmanship – embraced by royalty and the general public. Whether you are curious about an antique rug purchased from an outdoor market, eager to value your family heirloom, or wondering how much value that beloved carpet from overseas holds, these tips will help secure an accurate appraisal for your prized oriental rug.

Condition

The most highly emphasized consideration when determining the value of an oriental rug is its condition relative to its age. The older the rug is, the better condition it is in, and its rarity equals the more valuable it will be on the market. It is important to look out for damage such as discoloration, fading, fraying, holes, burns, stains, and other compromises to the rug’s quality of appearance and function. However, if your area rug is not in top-notch condition, all is not necessarily lost; in some cases in which a piece is particularly old, rare, or sought after, it may still be worth quite a lot, even if it does bare some flaws from the wear of time. Likewise, just because your item is in like-new condition does not mean it will be high in value if it is not particularly desirable to buyers on the market.

Tip:  Just because a rug was “marked down” from $18,000 at your local retailer to the “unbelievable” price of $10,000 doesn’t mean the rug is worth what you paid.  Our appraisers have seen $10,000 rugs appraised at $3500.00 or less.

Origin

The country in which an Oriental, Persian, Turkish, or other rug is made highly impacts its value in the case of both antique and new items alike. Some regions, towns, villages, or workshops are historically well-known and highly regarded for their expertise and artistry in producing their rugs; thus, a reputation that will inherently possess a higher value comes with the name.

For example, the Turkish village of Usak in Central Anatolia has been weaving carpets for centuries and today holds a status as one of the most admired and greatly valued places of origin in terms of weaving. Rugs woven in Turkey today require much more time, finishing processes, and skill than most other contributors to the market, as wool must be hand spun and dyed in small batches of different colors, and Turkish labor is thus more expensive. Alongside this, the fact that an item bears the label of an authentic Usak rug will ensure its value will be enduringly high.

Materials and craftsmanship

Not only do the materials and craftsmanship utilized in making a textile directly affect its aesthetic appeal, but they are also significant components in determining its value. Most often, the materials used to make oriental rugs will be camel hair, goat hair, wool, cotton, silk, and metal threads. Materials such as banana silk, cactus silk, and even some synthetic substances will be present in recently made rugs.

When assessing a rug’s worth, it is necessary to be aware that wool is available in various grades or levels of quality. Regions in higher elevation areas tend to source their wool from sheep with dense and substantial coats, allowing for a more sumptuous rug pile. Hand weaving the wool as opposed to doing so by machine will also result in a softer, smoother pile; all these factors will be noticeable in the quality of the rug.

Other factors

The knot density of a rug will also affect its value. Even today, most weaving patterns are unique to specific regions; however, in some areas where labor is cheaper, weavers are instructed to use knots that are not local to the area. Also, because of this profit-driven approach to weaving, wools of lesser quality and density will be used, and knots will be tied in a flimsy manner; these pieces will not be as durable and resilient against the test of time. A rug of lesser quality, such as this, will be identifiable by its flexibility when handling it, whereas a high-quality rug will feel sturdier and more difficult to bend.

When it comes to the coloring of a rug, natural dyes are, without exception, preferred to synthetic ones; this is due to the more earthy appearance of the colors, as well as the expertise and knowledge required to complete the complex process of their creation. This additional labor and limited availability of those who possess the training to make these colors contribute to the textile’s value.

Appraisal

As is the case with many other works of art and collectibles, especially in the case of Oriental and Persian rugs, the more authentic, the better. However, the only way to truly identify and ascertain whether or not your rug is of this highly regarded caliber is to seek a professional appraisal. Only an expert will be able to truly understand the nature of your rug, thus reducing the margin for error in determining its value.

The appraisal services at Oriental Rug Salon are relied upon by interior designers, auction houses, insurance companies, textile retailers, and rug lovers wanting to know their rug’s history, identity, or value. Perhaps you’ve inherited a beautiful Oriental rug and want to know its history or value, or you want an appraisal ready in case your cherished rug is destroyed by flood or fire. Your insurance company will demand an appraisal or other proof of the rug’s value PRIOR to being damaged. Our services are also relied upon by interior designers and rug wholesalers to value a carpet before purchase to ensure they are not overpaying.

Here at Oriental Rug Salon, our professional appraisers can lead you on your journey to finding the value and history of your oriental rug.

Oriental Rug Salon is a full-service Oriental and Persian area rug appraisal, cleaning, and restoration company servicing clients throughout the United States. Not only do we appraise fine textiles for rug collectors, insurance companies, the court system, rug retailers, and owners of area rugs, our restoration division preserves and cares for them.

Oriental Rug Salon

Whether you need an appraisal, cleaning, or restoration services for your cherished textiles, trust the experts at Oriental Rug Salon to provide the best service in the industry. With online appraisal services, you can easily find out the value and history of your rug from the comfort of your home. Contact us today for more information!

For more information about Oriental Rug Salon and our online appraisal, cleaning, or Oriental and Persian repair services, please visit us online at www.OrientalRugSalon.com or “call us on the carpet” any time at 239-424-8171.

We look forward to helping you with all of your rug care requirements.