Oriental rugs are the most unique items of decor in home but there is no single factor that could determine that it is the most valuable thing. Often people think that the number of knots in the rug determined its value but that is not even one of the most important factors that determine the uniqueness of an oriental rug.
When you talk about the knots of the rug, they only determine the quality of its construction and not the actual value of it. Let’s discuss few considerations that would help us determine the value and unique quality of Oriental rug.
Condition v/s age- The condition of the rug and its age are parallel to the value of it. When it comes to antique and vintage collections age is one of the most considered factors. Earlier there used to deficiency in supply of fiber which is why artisans would create just-one-of-a-kind rug, which is why this could be the most important factor in considering the value of an oriental rug. The rug’s price would increase with its age as it would be considered as a family heirloom passed on from generation to generation. There are few rugs which are so refined, unique and elegant that even if you have to restore or repair it, the cost of it would be worth paying for as the value would much higher than it already was.
This Persian rug is an antique piece of beauty from Sultanabad Circa 1890. The rug was recently restored by its edges and the overall value of it was so great that the restoration just warranted its value more than enough. It is one of the most fascinating rug and its age and condition add a lot to its price. The design it has is so alluring that one would simply fall in love with it, especially the light green field crafted in it. The restoration of the rug was done by experts and even with the minimum restoration, its age and conditions has been elevated. Though its restoration would not adversely affect its long term but would certainly add more value by protecting the actual condition of it.
Where the rug was made: The origin if the rug plays very important role in determining its importance and this is not just in antique rugs but new rugs as well. The labor prices vary from place to place where sometime the same rug would cost high in few places and low in some. For example an Oushak rug’s cost made in India would differ highly from an Oushak rug made in Turkey, even for new rugs. Similarly the origin matters a lot determining the price factor of antique rugs. There might be rugs which were made in a particular village, town or tribe which used to be very famous for its artistic touch and craftsmanship. Like the Turkish village Ushak in Central Anatolia has been into rug weaving profession since hundreds of years and rugs weaved there could be as high as $38000. They can be of such high price because there are very few such rugs with such big sizes and in so good condition. These rugs value would increase with time with proper maintenance.
Turkish rugs are always of very high price because the cost of labor is very high and these rugs go through special weaving process than other rugs, as in their fibers are hand spun and dyed manually which is a very time consuming process and they are also made in small batches which makes it different than any other.
Craftsmanship and the material 
used: The other most important factor that adds value to the rug is the craftsmanship used while creating the piece as well as the quality of the material. Mostly while creating Oriental rug fiber like wool, silk, goat hair, camel hair and metal threads are used along with the new silk collections like banana silk, cactus silk, viscose etc. Here we should also understand that every other wool quality differs from one another and one could easily feel the difference on the quality and the way it is being spun. The hilly areas usually raise the sheep more luxurious which in turn make their fiber very high quality and rug pile more sophisticated. Rugs which had hand spun wool are softer that the machine spun making the rug nicer to handle.
Dyes used in the fiber: There are natural dyes and then there are synthetic chromium dyes and always natural dyes are considered best for their healthy and natural beauty. When rugs are dyed using natural color, the shade in the rugs look more intense and saturated. Making of natural dyes is a very complicated process and requires expert knowledge to make it. Along with expertise in creating it, even added labor, time and knowledge is required in creating natural dye. Natural dye fiber rugs are environment friendly and not at all harmful for your and your family’s health.
Structure of the rug and the knot density: The art of making Oriental rugs has been a family heirloom for most of the Turkish families. It is a skill that is passed on from mother to daughter for every family. Weaving patterns and style could easily traced down the origin where it was weaved but nowadays there are many places where cheap labors are found and techniques are being taught to them. Although the size of the knot is important, the density of the wool and how it is tied is also another consideration. The best way to know the durability of any Oriental rug is by checking the handle of it, if it is loose then the knots would feel flimsy when touched and isn’t going to last as long as a rug that has studier knots.