Oriental rug appraisals: what your rug is worth and why it matters

Do you know what your rug is worth? Many people don’t, until they need to insure it, divide an estate or sell it. A professional rug appraisal gives you a clear, documented answer. This guide explains what an appraisal covers, when you need one and how our appraisals work in Denver and Austin.

What a rug appraisal evaluates

• Origin. Where and by whom the rug was made, such as Persian, Turkish, Caucasian or Indian.
• Age. New, vintage or antique, which strongly affects value.
• Materials. Wool, silk, cotton or blends, and the quality of the fiber.
• Construction. Hand-knotted, hand-tufted or machine-made, and the knot density.
• Design and dyes. The pattern, color palette and whether the dyes are natural or synthetic.
• Condition. Wear, repairs, stains, moth damage, fading and any restoration.

When you need an appraisal

• Insurance. To insure a rug properly, or to support a claim. Insurance companies rely on our expertise, and we provide a documented appraisal that determines the rug’s value. If a rug was water damaged in a flood, we’ll work with you and your insurer.
• Estate planning. To divide, gift or settle an estate fairly.
• Resale. To price a rug for sale with confidence.
• Personal records. To know what you own.
• Before repair or resizing. To understand how the work could affect value. See repair and resizing.

How our appraisal works

1. Contact us. Tell us about the rug and what you need the appraisal for.
2. Examination. We inspect the rug closely, front and back.
3. Evaluation. We assess origin, age, materials, construction and condition.
4. Documentation. You receive a written appraisal you can use for insurance, estate, resale or your records.

After the appraisal

Once you know the value, you can make smart decisions about care. A valuable rug benefits from a gentle professional wash, stain and UV protection, safe storage and, when needed, careful repair. See also moth prevention.

Rug appraisal FAQs