Oriental rugs are valued as collectible items around the world. It isn't hard to tell a handmade rug from a machine made one, but beyond that, value is harder to distinguish.
A handmade rug has the same pattern on the back as it has on the front. A machine made rug will look like it has a mesh that partially obscures the design. So the first thing you look at when making a choice, is the back. If it is handmade, then it is worth something. If it is not, then it isn't going to retain value.
Beyond that, the value of a handmade rug depends on several factors:
Knot count. This is one of the easier things to define, because it can be defined in absolutes. You can actually block out a square inch and do some counting and multiplication to get a fairly good idea of the knots per square inch. They vary between 20 and 500 knots per square inch. Higher generally presumes higher value, all else being equal. Condition. Another easy to spot factor. Wear, fading, fraying, or stains will decrease the value. The degree to which this occurs depends on other factors, but major damage will have a significant effect on value. Origin. Rugs go in and out of fashion. Even rugs that are out of fashion can be very valuable, but those that are currently trendy will be more prized, and therefore command higher prices. What goes out, comes back in though. Currently, tribal rugs are the trendy collector's items, but city made rugs which are larger, with higher knot counts, can still be very valuable and desirable. Materials. Rugs may be made from a variety of fibers, wool being the most common. Design. Some designs are more prized than others. Like the origin though designs go in and out of fashion, but always retain value. Age. Another major factor, and one that can be harder to judge than others. Age is judged by condition, colors of the fibers, finishing styles, patterns, and probable origin. Age of a rug can never be precisely pinpointed without documentation (rare in a true antique), but an expert can judge fairly accurately within a decade or so.
You can't judge all these factors without some professional training or experience. But you can learn the basics, and have a good idea of whether or not someone is trying to scam you by presenting something as other than what it is.
Value comes from the masterful work and quality put into it in the first place. Without those hours of personal time put into selection and preparation of the materials, and then into the creation of the work, it has no lasting value. This is what separates a handmade rug from a machine made rug, even if they look similar.
Value in a handmade rug tends to grow over time, in spite of market fluctuations. It is a relatively "safe" investment for those who wish to invest in the arts. Properly cared for and preserved, they hold their value well.
Written by Laura Wheeler, marketing assistant for Image Carpets, Inc - http://www.imagecarpetsinc.com Professional handmade antique oriental rug showroom in New York.
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