Like so many casualties of industrialization, the making of exquisite, beaded bags has become nearly a lost art. The type and size of beads used are very important. Purses made of the tiniest beads generally have the most value. Examine the purse for beads that are incompatible with the rest that can reflect recent repair work. There are specialists who repair old bags, but amateurs can ruin them.
Scenic bags are among the most valuable, largely because of the details contained in the landscapes.
The condition and type of frame can be as important as the bag itself. Check the condition of the interior lining. Avoid fabric that is extremely frayed, torn or stained, or fabric that is obviously brand new. Check the fringe at the bottom of the bag. A patterned fringe is more valuable than a solid one, but any fringe is more valuable than no fringe.