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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 $75. What's included at each level, when you need a certified report vs. a free 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 USPAP-compliant 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.
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