RUG VALUATIONS

Valuing a Luxury Designer Rug, Handwoven Persian Carpet or any Handmade Masterpiece for the floor is a complex process that can only be done by a small number of experts in the Persian Carpet industry.

The factors that need to be addressed include the type and quality of the weave, the size, the design, the fabrics and their quality, their condition, the origin and originality of the design, the demand, where it was made and its age. The value also varies in different countries and fluctuates with the time of the assessment, and the economy in that region. All these factors are taken into account to determine the value of a Handcrafted Modern Rug and Persian Carpet.

This is why rug valuations require an expert. In the case of insurance claims, an insurer will engage a Rug expert at the time a claim is being made. The fee is either paid by the insurance company or by the owner of the masterpiece.

Type and Quality of the Weave

In the case of a Luxury Designer Persian and Modern Carpet, the weave is normally hand-knotted. If this is the case then the number of knots can vary significantly between each carpet. The quality is determined by looking at the back of the carpet and also at the thickness of the fringe.

In today’s market of hand-crafted carpets and rugs, there are numerous other techniques for weaving including hand tufting, Nepalese knotting and handloomed carpets. This is another topic on its own that I will need to address in another blog.

SIZE

The size of the carpet will also affect the value often a smaller rug will have one master weaver on a higher wage at the loom while a large carpet will have a number of weavers including the master weaver who calls or sings the colours as they go.

Design

The more detail in the design the more expertise is required in the preparation and weaving process. There is more work in changing colours during the weave so will raise the value of the masterpiece. An intricately Designed Luxury Persian Carpet will be worth more than one with minimal design.

Demand

Certain styles and designs that are no longer woven or are rare are in high demand. These carpets will have a higher value than the more common-looking ones on the market.

Where the carpet or rug is made

There are certain regions where carpets are generally known to be better quality with higher values. For example, in Persia now known as Iran, Isfahan is known for fine weaving on a silk base, Qum for pure silk on silk, and Tabriz for high-quality wool and weaving.

Age

The age of a carpet is another factor contributing to its value. This can be determined by looking at the fringe of the carpet where the cotton shows aging in a similar manner to that of the number of timber trunk lines. The dyes can also oxidate the wool to different levels and this is also visible to an expert and sometimes makes the carpet more attractive. Fading is also considered. If the fade is evenly distributed over the carpet it can add to the value of the Persian Rug or Carpet making it look more subtle in colour. There are also techniques of weaving and styles that were popular during certain centuries and ceased so often more valuable due to their scarcity. Handmade Carpets that are 100 years of age are deemed Antique Rugs otherwise semi-antique were woven during the Victorian and Mid-Century era.

In conclusion, the handmade Persian Carpet and Modern Rug or Modern Persian Carpet industry is highly complex and changing rapidly. This means that it requires expertise and up-to-date knowledge to be able to value a handcrafted Modern Rug or Persian Carpet. Having been in the industry for over 20 years with knowledge, and ongoing research I am able to assist with valuations at a fee.