In a rug design,
the tree represents the endless cycle
of birth, death and regeneration.
The rug in your family tree is no less powerful.
Passed down by a grandmother
or a favorite aunt, it can be
your most prized possession -
regardless of dollar value.

FAQ

If you don't find your answer on this FAQ page please click here to contact us and we will respond as quickly as possible.

Are Oriental rugs an investment? Where are the best Oriental rugs made? Where should my Oriental rugs be cleaned? How often should a rug be cleaned? What advice can you provide for purchasing overseas? Are GOB's (going out of business sales) a true value? Is this Oriental rug worth repair? Will a wool Oriental rug resist soil? How do I go about selling my Oriental rug? Why does my rug shed and have tufts protruding through the pile?
Are Oriental rugs an investment?
Oriental rugs are a utility investment. They are home furnishings which if properly selected will provide years of service and enjoyment. Market trends, supply/demand, and fashion will influence whether a rug will increase in monetary value.
Where are the best Oriental rugs made?
There is no correct answer to this question. Top of the line products from Tibet, India, China, Pakistan, etc. will all be similar in quality. Integrity of wool, stability of dyes, and workmanship are the three important factors in determining the quality of a textile.

It is best to make comparisons within certain categories that may include age, origin, knot density and condition.

Where should my Oriental rugs be cleaned?
Your Oriental rug should only be cleaned by a professional trained in the care of wool textiles. Be wary of a rug dealer who subcontracts to another cleaner. Regular weekly vacuuming and spot treatments should be conducted with appropriate agents. Joseph’s Imports has been conducting hand-cleaning for over 50 years. To read about our process, click on the service link.
How often should a rug be cleaned?
Oriental rugs in high traffic areas should be professionally cleaned every 2-3 years. Those in low traffic areas will require cleaning every 3-5 years. Once a week vacuuming is the best care a rug owner can give. Inspections of fringed ends and selvedges as well as a 180 degree turn of the rug should be performed annually.
What advice can you provide for purchasing overseas?
Negotiating for a rug in the bazaars can be a memorable and entertaining experience, but very costly if your level of knowledge on rugs is limited. Never make a purchase that you cannot take on the plane with you. Be wary of "art silk". This material is actually mercerized cotton which has very low traffic stability. View your purchase as a memento and understand that better values exist at your local reputable rug dealer where you can inspect the Oriental rug in your own home.
Are GOB's (going out of business sales) a true value?
By all means, avoid purchasing from a GOB. The lowest grade Oriental rugs fill their inventories. Many GOBs travel from city to city leaving stories of inflated prices and misrepresentation. Know and trust your dealer before purchasing. If a deal is too good to be true; then it most likely is not.
Is this Oriental rug worth repair?
We will employ our over 50 years experience in this industry to advise you of the most cost-effective manner of repair. Treatment proposals and condition evaluations are given to educate and to establish treatment and budget priorities. Please visit the service link for more information.
Will a wool Oriental rug resist soil?
Wool is the most durable material used in the construction of an Oriental rug. The lanolin in the wool protects the sheep from adverse climates and it will surely resist the soil from foot traffic.
How do I go about selling my Oriental rug?
There are many ways to dispose of an unwanted Oriental rug. Making a donation for an income tax write-off, a favorite charity or a fund-raiser is probably the easiest way. Trading a rug in to a dealer usually does not meet your expectations. Another way is to pass the Oriental rug down through the family. If you are certain you want to sell your rug, please click on our consignment link.
Why does my rug shed and have tufts protruding through the pile?
All Oriental rugs will shed to some extent after they are installed in your home décor and trafficked. This molting process is a normal occurrence that vacuuming will resolve. Any tufts of wool that pull up above the pile should be cut even with the pile and never pulled.
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