Persian Rugs

A genuine, authentic Persian rug is nothing less of a work of art.  The rich colors and intricately stunning designs are all something to always marvel at. Find out more when you read this guide on buying Persian rugs.

That Persian rugs are an iconic symbol of luxury and wealth is an understatement. And while this is common knowledge, you may not know what goes into determining the value of a Persian rug. Here is a breakdown of some of the factors that influence the value of these stunning works of art

  1. Where the Rug is Made

A truly authentic Persian rug will trace its origins to, well, Persia, known today as Iran. Certain regions and towns within the country are known to be excel in specific styles of Persian rugs, so its not just about the country alone. Qom, for example, is a town well known for producing top-quality silk prayer rugs. Kerman and Isfahan are also well known for their wonderfully crafted rugs.

Different regions have mastered distinctive styles. That a rug is from an area with an unmistakable reputable for a particular style will no doubt have an impact on its value.

  1. What the Rugs are Made of

Persian rugs are made from a range of materials, with wool being by far, the most commonly used material. Other options include silk and cotton. Silk is quite expensive compared to the other material options, so it’s no surprise that silk Persian rugs are priced higher than their woolen and cotton counterparts.

  1. How the Rugs are Made

Handcrafting is the time-honored and traditional way of making Persian rugs. This process takes a long time, up to a year, but the results are truly something to look forward to. These handmade rugs are more valuable than those mass produced by machines.

You can tell apart the handmade rugs from the machine-crafted Persian rugs by looking at the rug’s underside. While you can clearly see the hand-crafted individual knots on handmade rugs, the machine-made counterparts will have punched tufts.

Narrowing down to handmade Persian rugs, the value varies depending on the knot count per square inch. The KPSI(knots per square inch) is an indicator of the fineness and level of detail that went into making the rug. Rugs with a higher KPSI are rightly higher valued than those with a lower KPSI.

Another factor in the rug-making process that influences the value of the rug is the dye used. Handmade rugs colored with handmade dyes are certainly more valuable. Synthetic dyes diminish the value of a rug as these dyes are more likely to fade with exposure over time.

  1. When the Rug was Made

With Persian rugs, and as with most other items, old, really is gold. That being said, the age of the rug must be considered within the context of other factors that may influence the value of the rug. A century-old authentic rug will certainly be worth more than one that is half as old. That being said, the condition of the rug matters, which is why an authentic 50-year old Persian rug in pristine condition may be worth more than a worn-out and torn century-old rug.

As a buyer, you do need to be cautious not to befall for tricks some sellers use to fool buyers about the age of a Persian rug. Artificially washing the rug so it gets that old and worn-out look is one such trick you should be careful not to fall for when buying your Persian rugs.

Final Thoughts

The when, where and how of the rug-making are all crucial factors that go into informing the perceived value of the Persian rug.  You can always trust an expert appraisal for an accurate assessment.