Don't shy away from asking the dealer to show you a number of rugs, and don't worry about prices at this point. Just consider the visual look and the size of the rug. It helps to tell the dealer where the rug will be used and to provide any information on colours and sizes that might help to narrow down your choice. If you do find the design and colours of a particular rug attractive, then only should you consider it further. The next question that you need to ask is regarding the materials used in the rug.
Silk is the most expensive fiber used in the weaving of Oriental rugs.
It's a very resilient and flexible fibre and can be dyed in most any shade, therefore silk rugs are the most intricate and luxurious, consequently the most valuable, of the Oriental Rugs. Rayon, or art silk, as it is commonly referred to a cheap and undurable imitation that serious collectors soon learn to avoid. A small degree of running of colours is permissible but anything beyond that is a very negative factor. It may indicate that the rug has been chemically treated. Small and gradual variations in colours from one area to another are acceptable but any sharp deviations are reasons enough for rejecting a rug.