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A Standardized Methodology · Serving All 50 States

A standardized methodology
for hand-knotted rug valuation

Know what your rug is worth — wherever you are. Submit photos from anywhere in the United States and receive a RICA-certified appraisal report in 3–5 business days. From $125.

5
Grading pillars
4×
Value contexts
5
Pillar formula
The Problem

The rug market runs on
information asymmetry.

No universal pricing standard. No verifiable credentials. No published sold-price database. The RUG Index fixes all three.

01
No pricing benchmark
Three appraisers on the same rug routinely produce valuations that differ by 200–400%. Buyers, sellers, and insurers have no objective reference.
02
No credential verification
Anyone can call themselves a rug appraiser. No licensing body, no code of ethics, no standard methodology. Fraud is rampant at the point of insurance claim.
03
No sold-price database
Unlike jewelry (Rapaport) or art (Artnet), the rug market has no published transaction database. Buyers pay what dealers ask — and dealers know it.
What We Do

Three paths to certified value

Whether you're selling, insuring, or investing in a fine rug — the RUG Index gives you the number you can stand behind.

🏷️
Certified Marketplace
Every listing on the RUG Index marketplace carries a certified grade and documented value. Buyers know what they're paying for. Sellers get fair market price.
No fee to list · 20–25% success fee on sale
Learn about consignment →
📋
Certified Appraisal Reports
PDF appraisal reports issued by RICA-certified appraisers. Formatted to meet documentation requirements commonly requested by insurance carriers and estate courts; acceptance is subject to individual requirements. Turnaround in 1–3 days.
From $125 · Insurance · Estate · Donation
Request an appraisal →
🎓
RICA Appraiser Certification
The proprietary designation for appraisers trained on The RUG Index methodology. Training, examination, and annual renewal. RICA is an internal designation of The RUG Index, not affiliated with any external credentialing body.
$595 initial · $195 annual renewal
Learn about RICA →
The Standard

Five pillars. One certified number.

The RUG Index grading formula is transparent and reproducible. Every appraisal uses the same five factors.

01
Origin & Region
Persian workshop cities command the highest multipliers. Origin verified by weave structure, dye chemistry, and design vocabulary.
0.8× – 3.2×
02
Material Quality
Silk, hand-spun wool, and machine-spun synthetics carry different multipliers based on fiber analysis and pile behavior.
0.4× – 2.5×
03
Age & Provenance
Antiques (100+ years) carry a 2.8× multiplier. Documented provenance adds measurable premium over undocumented pieces.
1.0× – 2.8×
04
Condition Grade
Five-point scale from Excellent (1.0×) to Poor (0.35×). Pile height, structural integrity, repairs, and dye stability all assessed.
0.35× – 1.0×
05
Knot Density
KPSI determines fineness and labor investment. Ultra-fine silk (500+ KPSI) at 3.0×. Tribal weaves (<40 KPSI) at 0.6×.
0.6× – 3.0×
Who We Serve

Built for every corner
of the rug industry

Collectors & Rug Owners
Finally know what your rug is actually worth — not what a dealer says it's worth. Get a certified appraisal, list it on our marketplace, or consign it for the best price.
Five-pillar valuation estimate ($35)
Certified appraisal from $125
Self-listing on certified marketplace
Consignment at 20–25% success fee
Get an instant valuation →
Insurance Carriers
The first standardized pricing reference built specifically for underwriters. Eliminate fraudulent appraisals. Set accurate coverage limits. Resolve claims with objective documentation.
Certified pricing benchmark for underwriting
RICA-verified appraiser network
Sold-price database for adjusters
API integration for claims systems
Carrier information →
Estate Attorneys & Executors
RICA Certified Appraisals formatted for potential use in probate, estate tax, equitable distribution, and charitable donation; admissibility is determined by the court. Reports signed by RUG Index designated appraisers.
Formatted for IRS Form 8283 submission
Expert witness availability
Bulk estate pricing
48-hour turnaround available
Estate services →
Dealers & Galleries
Access the certified inventory database via REST API. Query by type, origin, condition, and price. Use market comparables to price confidently and negotiate with documentation.
100 API calls per month included
Filter by type, origin, price
Historical sold-price access (Pro)
Dealer portal with usage dashboard
Dealer data API →
The Process

From rug to certified value in four steps

Whether you want an instant estimate or a court-ready appraisal, the process is the same.

STEP 01
Describe Your Rug
Enter origin, dimensions, material, age, and condition into our valuation tool. Takes about 2 minutes. No account required.
STEP 02
Get an Instant Estimate
The five-pillar formula runs instantly — showing your resale, insurance, retail, and auction values.
STEP 03
Order a Certified Report
If you need a binding report for insurance, estate, or legal use — a RICA-certified appraiser conducts a physical inspection and issues a signed PDF.
STEP 04
List, Insure, or Settle
Use your certified report to list on our marketplace, update your insurance rider, or satisfy a probate or legal requirement.
5
Grading pillars in the standard
4
Certified value contexts per report
5
Pillar methodology
4
Value opinions per report
Nationwide Coverage

We serve collectors in all 50 states

Our Digital and Certified appraisals are 100% remote — submit photos from any state and receive a RICA Certified report by email within 3–5 business days. Formatted to meet documentation requirements commonly requested by U.S. insurance carriers. Acceptance is subject to individual carrier requirements and policy terms. Reports are formatted for potential use in probate proceedings; admissibility is determined solely by the court.

All 50 states
Remote appraisals nationwide
RICA
Certified appraisal methodology
$35 — $195
Instant valuation + two certified tiers
3–5 days
Standard turnaround
Find your city
New York → Los Angeles → Chicago → Boston → Washington DC → Houston → Dallas → San Francisco → Miami → Atlanta → Philadelphia → Seattle →
Get Started Today

What is your rug worth?

Get an instant estimate in 2 minutes — no account required. For a certified report, create your account and request a formal appraisal.