Also, be wary of the stories and folklore that many dealers spin around their rugs. Enjoy the story but judge the rug. It's Not the Knot Knot counts have little to do with a rug's worth. One of the most common beginner's assumptions is that the finer the weave, the finer the rug. According to Ffrench, though, knot counts have little to do with a rug's worth.
Different areas have different weaves and knot counts.
If you can afford it, buy an antique rug rather than a new one. It will most likely have more artistic integrity. Feel free to educate yourself using a beginner rug guide, but don't think of buying a rug until you've handled dozens. Above all else, Ffrench says, make sure you like the rug you buy. Oriental rugs come out of the Islamic tradition, and all those intricate patterns are supposed to be an expression of the multiplicity and unity of God.