Pricing a handmade carpet or rug is not an exact science as Oriental area rugs and carpets are works of art and have artistic value. Two equally sized carpets/rugs woven by the same weaving group, with the same materials and knot density can differ greatly in price only on color combination and design. When choosing a carpet or rug, one must always take the artistic value in to account.

Handmade carpets and rugs should always be compared within their own family. To find out whether an intricately designed workshop item with a high knot density is priced correctly, one should compare it to a similar carpet or rug. One cannot compare a city workshop rug or carpet such as an Isfahan with a tribal carpet rug such as a Shiraz.

Determining factors of Price

The intricacy and execution of the design, the knot count, exact patterns, uniform color tones, and materials are the determining factors in the value of such a rug/ carpet. If a design is very unusual and unique, if the colors are used harmoniously, if the rug/carpet has a pile of silk rather than wool, if the design is from the city or village of origin, if it is in good condition, then this rug or carpet will be priced much higher than a similar city rug/carpet with a common design, lower knot count, wool pile and some minor wear.

The tribal and village rugs and carpets

For tribal and some village rugs and carpets, knot density is not usually a factor in determining the value. Different standards are used to determine value in a nomadic rug or carpet than a city workshop rug. Tribal and village weavers do not have the same sophisticated tools as city weaving groups.

Tribal rug and carpet designs are created from memory, their dyes and materials are provided from the nature around them, and the weavers' way of life is expressed in these rugs. The artistic value of rugs lies in their heritage and simplicity and not in their perfection.

The age of a carpet /rug

Age is an important factor in the price of a carpet. The older a rug is, the fewer rugs of similar design and color combination are available. As area rugs and carpets become older, their colors become more harmonious as well. That is why semi antique and antique rugs and carpets are sought after.

Rugs and carpets are also an investment

Not only do handmade carpets and rugs satisfy our artistic thirst and serve as practical floor coverings, they are also sound investments. A rug that was valued at $500.00 in the 1940s can have a retail value of $12,000 to $15,000 dollars today. A handmade rug or carpet  bought today will not only bring you years of enjoyment but may increase in value.

Before buying a carpet/rug

Purchasing a Persian Carpet or an Oriental area rug is not an easy experience. To ensure that you make a fair purchase, you should do the following:

• Try to learn about rugs and carpets as much as possible. This is an important purchase decision and you would want to make a well-informed choice. Browse through our learning center, read some of our suggested materials, and please feel free to contact our customer support team at 1-888-466-6869.
• Take your time. Don't buy under pressure.
• Comparison shop. See as many rugs and carpets as possible in the size category of your choice. Ask questions. Visit a local retailer to compare prices. Only buy once you are satisfied you are getting your rug at a fair market value.
• Do not buy a rug for the sole purpose of investment. It should be brought for your own personal enjoyment and pleasure.

If you still need any help please contact our customer service at 1-888-466-6869 or via info@ecarpetgallery.com.