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Guides & Resources

The RUG Index Knowledge Base

Expert guides on rug valuation, appraisal, and the five-pillar grading standard. Written for collectors, inheritors, estate professionals, and anyone trying to understand what their rug is worth.

8 guides
Appraisal
Certified Appraisals for Persian Rugs
Tabriz, Isfahan, Kashan, Qom, Heriz and all Persian origins. How the RUG Index formula values each weaving center — and why origin matters more than almost anything else.
Appraisal
Antique Rug Appraisal — What Makes a Rug Worth More with Age
Age premiums of 1.8–3.0× apply for documented antique pieces. How appraisers verify age, authenticate origin, and calculate the premium for 100+ year old rugs.
Pricing
How Much Does a Rug Appraisal Cost?
Standard appraisals from $125. What's included at each level, when you need a certified report vs. an instant estimate, and how to avoid overpaying.
Chicago
Certified Rug Appraisals in Chicago
RICA-certified appraisers serving Chicago, the North Shore, Oak Park, Evanston, Naperville, and the full metro area. We come to you within 1–3 business days.
Education
How to Value a Hand-Knotted Rug
The complete guide to the five pillars of rug valuation — origin, material, age, condition, and knot density — and the four value contexts every rug owner should know.
Education
The Difference Between Wool, Silk, and Cotton Rugs
How pile material affects value, durability, and care requirements — and how to tell them apart without a lab test. Silk commands up to 2.2× the value of comparable wool.
Appraisal
Turkish Rug Appraisal — Oushak, Hereke, and Anatolian Origins
Turkish rugs span from village kilims to imperial Hereke silks. A guide to the major weaving traditions and how each is valued — including the reproduction Oushak problem.
Education
How to Read a Rug Appraisal Report
What every section of a certified RICA appraisal means — and which of the four values to use for insurance, estate settlement, IRS donation, or resale.
Appraisal
Online Rug Appraisal — How It Works
Upload photos, receive a RICA Certified report in 1–3 business days. When online is sufficient and when you need an in-person inspection.
Care
Rug Cleaning & Repair in Chicago
Hand-washing, stain removal, and structural repair from RICA-vetted Chicago artisans serving the city and the North Shore.
Appraisal
Indian Rug Appraisal
Agra, Jaipur, Bhadohi, Amritsar and Kashmir silk — how each Indian origin is valued.
Appraisal
Oriental Rug Appraisal
Persian, Turkish, Caucasian, Indian and Chinese — one certified standard for every origin.
Pricing
What Is My Oriental Rug Worth?
Realistic value ranges by origin and the five pillars that drive a rug's appraised value.
Local
Rug Appraisal Near Me
Why certified, online-first appraisal beats hunting for a local specialist.
Education
Why Two Appraisers Give Different Numbers
Resale, insurance, retail, auction — why one rug has several legitimate values.
Education
Caucasian & Tribal Rug Guide
Kazak, Shirvan, Karabagh and more — identifying and valuing tribal weavings.
Education
Natural vs Synthetic Dyes
How dye type affects a rug's age, authenticity, and appraised value.
Education
Rug Damage & Value
How wear, stains, and repairs change the condition multiplier.
Education
Antique vs Vintage: The 100-Year Rule
The precise definitions that change a rug's age premium.
Education
How to Choose a Rug Appraiser
Ten questions to ask before trusting anyone with your rug's value.
Appraisal
Estate Rug Appraisal Guide
What executors need for probate, distribution, and tax filings.
Appraisal
Rug Donation & IRS Form 8283
The qualified-appraisal rules for charitable rug donations over $5,000.
Appraisal
Estate Rug Appraisal
Probate, inheritance, and trust filings — the Legal/Estate report explained.
Appraisal
Rug Donation Appraisal
IRS Form 8283-qualified appraisals for charitable rug donations.
Appraisal
Rug Appraisal for Insurance
Scheduled coverage, replacement value, and the claim process.
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