Artisan Persian rugs are made with high-quality materials by a skilled craftsman. Also known as the Iranian rug (Iran formerly being known as Persia), they are superior in quality compared to any Oriental rug: Iran has been renowned for producing the best rugs in the world for centuries. Therefore, when buying the highest quality Persian rugs, you can expect to pay more than an average price tag – True quality and craftsmanship costs. Hence, buying an authentic Persian rug is somewhat an investment for many people. Here are some things you “need to know” that will hopefully help you choose the best quality for your budget.

Quality Materials

Traditionally, quality Persian rugs were made of wool, most often Afghan wool. Today, wool from New Zealand is considered the best in the world. However, it is also extremely expensive. Therefore, many producers will mix this with traditional Afghan wool or local wool to keep the cost down. Asking what kind of wool has been used is a good question. What wool and what percentage the mix is a good indicator of the rug’s quality and feel – New Zealand wool is renowned for being extremely soft. Modern Persian rugs like those sold here, are often made from a silk and wool mix, making them incredibly soft.

Elegant but Hard Wearing?

While soft and elegant, they are trickier to maintain and clean than woolen Persian rugs. They also tend to be more expensive but not as hardy. Something to think about! If your Persian rug is going to be placed in a heavy traffic zone, silk and wool mix might not be the best choice.

What Knot?

The knot count is probably the most important of all. The basic point is that the more knots there are, the more the design and feel are. Therefore, better quality. Rugs of the highest quality can have three hundred knots per square inch. Cheap rugs are usually less than. Artisan Persian rugs are made by hand. A densely woven rug takes more time to weave. Therefore, as you might expect, the higher the knot count, the more expensive the rug. Make sure you know the knot count and ensure the rug is handmade (this can be done by looking at the character of the knot) – Machine-made rugs can also be expensive! Also, understand that hand-tufted and even hand-loomed rugs are not made completely by hand, as is the Artisan way.

All in the Design?

A good indicator regarding the craftsman’s level of skill is the design. A hand-knotted rug with an intricate design takes expertise and skill. The probability is that a reputable producer created a rug of this intricacy. A detailed design takes longer to produce, and the materials used are usually of higher quality – Both of which mean a higher price tag.

With just the basic “need to know” knowledge, you’ll have a better chance of purchasing “well”. Invest wisely, and your beautiful Persian rug will be a long-lasting addition to your home.