Persian rugs are typically crafted from wool fibers. Wool is readily available in the areas where these carpets are made. Some wool fibers are coarse, and thick, while others are thinner and have a smaller diameter. You will find that different wool fibers take the dyes that are used in the rugs differently, so the colors that are in the carpet designs are different depending on the fibers the dye was applied to.

Thicker wool is often associated with less expensive Persian rugs, because the rug-maker would not be able to tie as many knots in each inch of the carpets as they could tie if they were using thinner wools fibers, or silk threads. The thicker wool may have less knots per square inch, but they often have a unique beauty that cannot be duplicated using thinner threads. You will have to determine which texture, and look, that you find appealing.

Some of these carpets were crafted using natural dyes, and some of them are crafted using synthetic, or man-made colors. You want to look at the carpet very carefully and see if there is any evidence that the colors of the design have bled onto the rest of the design. Bleeding colors can cause potential troubles later when you have to clean the item.

Some older carpets will have faded over time. There are experts that say this mellowing of the color scheme makes the item worth more, and there are experts that say the fading of the color scheme reduces the price of the item. For most people the fading seems to make the older carpets more appealing. It tones down the colors and makes the piece develop more warmth, and strength of character.

When you are purchasing used rugs check them carefully for signs of repair. A really old carpet is more than likely going to have been repaired at least once in its lifetime. Check the back of the carpet for the signs of repairs. You may have to look very carefully because some of the repair work will match the original work very well. You are looking to make certain that someone has not placed tape on the back of the carpet to hide where a tear is starting to ravel.