Tips to buying “Persian” or “Hand-made” rugs

Four things to get in writing:

1) country of origin

2) whether the design is native to that country

3) material content

4) that it is 100% hand-knotted

Look out for these two terms

1) "such and such design" (e.g. Qum-design or Tabriz-design), this is a red flag signaling that the carpet was made somewhere other than where the design comes from

2) "art silk" – sometimes dealers will certify that a carpet is 100% pure art silk, but art is just short for artificial!

Buying Tips Overseas

1) Remember you are buying a souvenir; budget accordingly

2) Hand-knotted carpets vary enormously in quality and price, from under $100 to millions of dollars

3) Set a firm budget before shopping – choose an amount that you won’t regret if it turns out you paid too much

4) Purchase only from a store that will provide a detailed invoice,including the name of the design of the carpet (original carpets are named after the city, village or tribe that makes them), country of origin, material content and that it is hand-knotted

When buying locally:

1) Look for a store with a wide variety of prices and styles

2) A reputable dealer will allow you to take a carpet on-approval before buying it and will have a return or exchange policy

3) Always get a detailed invoice

4) When comparing carpets it is best to have them side by side, it is difficult even for an expert to compare by memory

Turkey Travel Planner – Tips for buying carpets in Turkey

Turkish Rugs: Buying Rugs in Turkey