Featuring detailed patterns, a careful weave, vibrant hues, and a delightful plush texture, silk Persian rugs stand as nothing less than bona fide marvels. Remarkably, individuals acquiring these splendid creations often choose to display them on walls rather than floors. If you're contemplating the purchase of a silk rug, here are key insights you should bear in mind.
Types of Silk and Wool Persian Rugs
The Persian Silk Rug
With Persian rugs, the Persian silk rug takes on the spotlight, boasting a soft, natural luster, a lush feel, and impeccable precision in detailing.
When considering buying a silk rug, it's crucial to note that Persian silk rugs, while exquisite, tend to be pricier compared to their wool or cotton counterparts. This is primarily due to the extensive use of cocoons required to produce a small quantity of silk yarn.
One challenge faced by buyers is the prevalence of sellers passing off artificial silk rugs as genuine. It's imperative to distinguish between the two, ensuring you don't fall victim to getting conned. Educating yourself about these distinctions is key knowing the difference between a knock-off and a genuine Persian silk rug.
Characteristics of Silk Rugs
Upon gazing at a silk rug, the first noticeable feature is its remarkable high sheen. The inherent luster of silk fibers gives away a captivating gleam to rugs made from this exquisite material.
While silk may be a pricier choice for crafting rugs compared to wool, artisans dedicated to working with silk spare no effort in ensuring that their creations exude magnificence.
Conduct a comparison between a wool rug and a silk rug, and the distinctions become apparent. In silk Persian rugs, the knots exhibit greater tightness, accompanied by a higher knot count. A gentle glide of your hand across the rug's surface reveals a texture that is opulent, sumptuous, and exceptionally silky to the touch. If you're considering buying a silk rug, these characteristics set them apart from their wool counterparts.
Choosing Between Silk and Artificial Silk
When considering a silk rug, it's crucial to understand the distinction between natural silk, often used in crafting exquisite Persian silk rugs, and artificial silk, commonly found in silk rugs of a different origin, such as wool Persian rugs.
Genuine Persian silk rugs boast intricate designs, a tight weave, vivid colors, and a luxurious feel, as they are crafted from the natural silk produced by silkworms. Silkworm cocoons are carefully boiled and unwound into single fibers, which are then spun into silk yarns.
On the other hand, silk Persian rugs made with artificial silk, composed of synthetic rayon fibers derived from pure cellulose, undergo a more complex manufacturing process involving additional chemicals. The outcome is an artificial silk rug that mimics the lustrous appearance and texture of natural silk. Despite the initial resemblance, there are notable differences between the two.
Natural silk provides a softer and cozier touch compared to artificial silk, which exhibits a slight stiffness. Moreover, the durability of natural silk surpasses that of artificial silk. With exceptional tensile strength, a rug crafted from natural silk can endure for generations with proper care. In contrast, artificial silk is more brittle, with lower tensile strength, leading to easier breakage of fibers.
Consider these distinctions when making the decision between a silk Persian rug with natural silk or one with artificial silk. Investing in a rug made from natural silk ensures not only a beautiful addition to your space but also a lasting family heirloom, whereas artificial silk may lead to a rug losing its luster and resilience over time.
Considerations When Purchasing a Silk Rug
When you are about to make a purchase of a silk rug, it's essential to weigh the options, especially when deciding between silk Persian rugs and their wool counterparts. The authenticity of silk rugs lies in the intricate designs, tight weave, vibrant colors, and luxurious feel. Here are key insights if you are in the process of buying a silk rug.
Artificial Silk Persian Rugs
For individuals caught in the dilemma of choosing between a natural silk Persian rug and its artificial counterpart, cost becomes a central concern. The decision to pay more for a natural silk Persian rug or opt for the budget-friendly artificial silk version requires careful consideration.
While the initial cost of an artificial silk rug may be lower, it comes with a significant drawback. The knock-off lacks the longevity of its natural counterpart. Investing in an artificial silk rug may result in a recurring expense as it may need replacement within a few years. Despite its visual appeal, this rug cannot be passed down through generations, making it a less sustainable option.
Natural Silk Persian Rugs
On the flip side, a natural silk Persian rug represents a one-time investment with great value. Though the upfront cost may be higher, this rug stands the test of time and can be passed down through successive generations. As it ages, the natural silk rug gains character and becomes even more valuable over the years, making it a wise and timeless choice. When considering the purchase of a silk rug, opting for the authenticity and longevity of a natural silk Persian rug is a decision that pays off in the long run.
Best Types of Persian Silk Rugs
Among the myriad of Persian silk rugs, four stand out prominently: Qum, Tabriz, Nain, and Isfahan rugs.
Qum rugs boast pure silk elegance, with weavers utilizing natural silk for both the foundation and pile. The rugs acquire a unique and natural coloration due to the distinct chemical composition of the local water.
The elevated price of natural silk Persian rugs is attributed to the expensive raw materials and the extended time required to knot the finer strands of silk yarn. These exquisite creations often find a place as wall hangings, allowing them to be admired without risking damage.
Authenticity of Your Silk Rug Purchase
Investing in a genuine silk rug can be a substantial commitment, and it's crucial to avoid the disappointment of discovering later that what you thought was silk is, in fact, not. To safeguard your investment, here are key aspects to scrutinize when considering the purchase of a silk rug.
Examine the weave and knot count – Authentic silk rugs feature a tightly woven structure with a high knot count, typically exceeding 500 KPSI. The craftsmanship is a hallmark of genuine silk rugs, distinguishing them from alternatives made with artificial silk.
Evaluate the pile length – Genuine silk rugs feature a short pile that is precisely clipped. This not only preserves the delicate silk fibers but also accentuates the intricate patterns and details. Be wary of rugs with longer piles, as they are more likely to be imitations.
Inspect the fringe closely – A true silk rug should exhibit a silk fringe seamlessly extending from the rug's body. If the fringe appears to be made of a different material or seems like a separate attachment, chances are it is not an authentic silk rug.
Testing A Real Silk Persian Rug
When considering the purchase of a silk rug, it's crucial to verify its authenticity. Distinguishing between genuine silk and synthetic alternatives can be done through various methods, but caution is advised to prevent damage to the delicate fibers. Keep in mind that while these tests provide insights, they aren't foolproof.
Verification Test 1 – Gently rub the fibers with your open palm. Authentic silk will generate warmth, whereas artificial materials will remain cool to the touch.
Verification Test 2 – Conduct a burn test on a single fiber. Genuine silk emits a burning hair scent, while artificial silk produces an odor reminiscent of burning paper.
Caring for Your Silk Rug - Dos and Don’ts
After successfully acquiring a silk rug, safeguarding your investment becomes crucial. Follow these essential guidelines to ensure proper maintenance:
Dos:
- Vacuum your silk rug lightly at least once a week to prevent the buildup of debris and dust.
- Set the vacuum low to avoid applying excessive pressure on the delicate fibers.
- Invest in regular professional cleaning for your silk rug.
Don’ts:
- Avoid using the brush roll setting on the vacuum, as it can potentially damage the fine fibers of your silk rug.
FAQs
Why are Persian silk rugs a lot more expensive than Persian wool rugs?
Silk, as in its name, is a valuable material giving away a more lustrous shine in the delicate pile. Silk carpets are delicate and are known for being lustrous. Wool, on the contrary, is a more resilient material with a slightly subdued and flat appearance.
Is silk better than wool?
Wool is not very resistant to bacteria and house bugs. Silk, however, is inherently resistant towards household bugs since silkworms have the innate ability to protect themselves from bacteria and bugs.
How long will a silk rug last?
If taken care of properly, a Persian silk rug will last a lifetime, or a hundred years.
