Certified & IRS-Accepted
Professional Rug Appraisal in the San Francisco Bay Area
Know the true value of your Oriental, Persian, or antique rug. Certified appraisals for insurance, estate planning, IRS documentation, and resale — trusted since 1978.
Certified Rug Appraiser · Accepted by the IRS, Insurance Companies & the U.S. Court System · One of Only a Few Oriental Rug Experts in California
Appraisal Services
Whether you need an appraisal for insurance, an estate, a charitable donation, or simply to understand what your rug is worth — we provide the documentation you need.
Certified Written Appraisal
A comprehensive, signed document detailing your rug’s origin, age, condition, materials, knot density, design classification, and current fair market replacement value. Accepted by the IRS, insurance providers, and the U.S. court system.
Complimentary Verbal Appraisal
Visit our Newark showroom and receive a free verbal assessment of your rug’s approximate origin, age, and value. Ideal if you are curious about a rug before committing to a formal written appraisal.
In-Home Appraisal
For large rugs, estate collections, or pieces that are difficult to transport, our certified appraiser visits your home anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ideal for estate settlements and large collections.
How It Works
A simple, transparent process from start to finish.
Contact Us
Call (510) 240-7360 or fill out the form below. Tell us about your rug and what you need the appraisal for.
Schedule Your Appraisal
Bring your rug to our Newark showroom, or schedule an in-home visit. Walk-ins welcome Tuesday through Saturday.
Expert Examination
Our certified appraiser inspects every detail — fiber type, knot density, dye quality, weaving technique, condition, and provenance.
Receive Your Appraisal
Your signed, certified appraisal document is typically ready within a few business days. Mailed or hand-delivered on official letterhead.
Why Get Your Rug Appraised?
Handmade Oriental and Persian rugs are valuable assets that often appreciate over time. A professional appraisal protects your investment and provides essential documentation.
🛡️ Insurance Protection
Without a current appraisal, your insurance may only reimburse the original purchase price — which could be far less than today’s market value. Protect yourself from being undercompensated after damage, theft, or natural disaster.
📋 Estate Planning & Probate
When rugs are part of an estate, a certified appraisal is essential for equitable distribution, probate proceedings, and succession planning. Our appraisals are accepted by estate attorneys and fiduciary advisors throughout California.
🏛️ IRS & Tax Documentation
The IRS requires certified appraisals for charitable donations exceeding $5,000, gift tax documentation, and estate tax filings. Our certifications meet IRS standard guideline practices.
⚖️ Legal Proceedings
In divorce settlements, property disputes, or insurance litigation, a certified rug appraisal provides the unbiased, expert valuation that courts require. Our appraisals are accepted in the U.S. court system.
💰 Resale & Consignment
Planning to sell a valuable rug? A professional appraisal establishes credible market value, builds buyer confidence, and helps you achieve the best possible price.
🔄 Updated Valuation
Rug values shift with market trends, collector demand, and rarity. We recommend updating your appraisal every 5 to 10 years to ensure your records reflect current worth.
What Our Appraiser Evaluates
Every detail matters. Our certified appraiser examines multiple factors to determine an accurate, defensible valuation.
Country of Origin
Identifying where the rug was woven — Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, India, China, and beyond.
Age & Period
Determining approximate age through weaving techniques, dye analysis, and design era.
Condition
Inspecting pile, selvages, fringe, dyes, and structure for wear, damage, or prior repairs.
Materials & Dyes
Assessing fiber composition — wool, silk, cotton — and whether dyes are natural or synthetic.
Knot Density
Counting knots per square inch, a key indicator of craftsmanship and quality.
Design & Artistry
Classifying pattern type, motif rarity, and overall aesthetic quality of the weaving.
Size & Dimensions
Exact measurements that factor into replacement cost and market pricing.
Market Value
Current fair market replacement value based on regional and international market data.
Types of Rugs We Appraise
From heirloom Persians to tribal Kilims, we have the expertise to appraise virtually any handmade rug.
Why Choose ABC Decorative Rugs
Bay Area families and collectors have trusted us for nearly three decades.
Professional Appraiser
Our appraiser is one of only a few Professional Oriental rug experts in the State of California. We follow standard guideline practices recognized by the IRS and the U.S. court system.
26+ Years in the Bay Area
Established in 1978, we bring nearly five decades of hands-on experience in the rug market. We have appraised thousands of rugs for private clients, estate attorneys, insurance companies, and auction houses.
Full-Service Rug Care
Beyond appraisals, we offer expert rug cleaning, rug repair, pet stain removal, and restoration — everything your rug needs under one roof.
What Our Clients Say
Real experiences from homeowners and collectors across the Bay Area.
“I needed a formal appraisal for insurance purposes for two antique Persian rugs I inherited. The team at ABC Decorative Rugs was incredibly professional from start to finish. They provided a highly detailed report that covered the origin, knot density, and current market replacement value. It’s clear they know their history! I feel much more secure having this documentation in my files. Worth every penny for the peace of mind.”
— Verified Client, San Francisco
“I took a chance on a rug at an estate sale and brought it here to see if it was the ‘real deal.’ The appraiser at ABC Rugs was a wealth of knowledge. They didn’t just give me a number; they walked me through the specific tribal patterns and dye techniques that authenticated the piece. It’s rare to find experts who are this passionate about their craft. If you want an honest, expert opinion, this is the place to go.”
— Verified Client, Palo Alto
“Fast, friendly, and very thorough! I had a tight deadline to settle an estate and needed three large area rugs appraised quickly. ABC Rugs Services worked with my schedule and delivered the certified appraisal papers ahead of time. Their customer service is top-notch, and their pricing for the appraisal was very fair compared to other specialists in the city. Highly recommend!”
— Verified Client, Menlo Park
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about rug appraisals.
How much does a rug appraisal cost?
Certified written appraisals at ABC Decorative Rugs start at $199 per rug. Verbal appraisals at our Newark showroom are complimentary. In-home appraisals for large collections or estate properties are priced based on collection size and travel — call (510) 240-7360 for a quote.
What is included in a certified rug appraisal?
Your certified appraisal includes a detailed assessment of the rug’s country of origin, region of production, approximate age, weaving technique, material composition (wool, silk, cotton), knot density, condition, design classification, and current fair market replacement value. The document is signed, sealed, and delivered on official letterhead.
Can I use your appraisal for insurance?
Yes. Our certified appraisals are widely accepted by insurance companies for homeowner’s coverage documentation, property damage claims, theft claims, and loss-of-value assessments. We recommend updating your appraisal every 5 to 10 years so your coverage reflects current market value.
Are your appraisals accepted by the IRS?
Yes. ABC Decorative Rugs is a certified appraiser in the State of California, and our appraisals follow standard guideline practices recognized by the IRS and the U.S. court system. This includes documentation for charitable donations, estate tax filings, and gift tax purposes.
Do I need to bring my rug to your showroom?
For smaller rugs, we recommend bringing them to our Newark showroom at 5564 Newpark Mall Rd for the most accurate assessment. For larger rugs, estate collections, or pieces that are difficult to transport, our certified appraiser will visit your home anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area. Call (510) 240-7360 to schedule.
How often should I get my rug appraised?
We recommend updating your appraisal every 5 to 10 years, depending on market trends. The value of handmade rugs can fluctuate significantly based on supply and demand, collector interest, and rarity. Without a current appraisal, your insurance company may only compensate you at the original purchase price.
What types of rugs can you appraise?
We appraise all types of handmade rugs, including Persian, Oriental, Turkish, Chinese, Caucasian, Afghan, Tibetan, Navajo, Kilim, Sumac, Aubusson, and antique or vintage rugs of any origin. We also assess silk, wool, and blended-fiber rugs. Machine-made rugs are generally not eligible for certified appraisals.
How long does the appraisal process take?
An in-person examination typically takes 20 to 45 minutes per rug, depending on size and complexity. Your certified written appraisal document is usually completed and ready for pickup or mailing within 3 to 5 business days.
Schedule Your Rug Appraisal
Ready to find out what your rug is worth? Contact us to schedule a certified appraisal at our showroom or in your home. Free verbal appraisals are available for walk-ins.
5564 Newpark Mall Rd
Newark, CA 94560
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Serving the entire San Francisco Bay Area — San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Palo Alto, Berkeley, Fremont, Menlo Park, Walnut Creek, Marin County, and all surrounding cities.
Request Your Appraisal
Rug Appraisal Service Areas in the San Francisco Bay Area
San Francisco County
San Francisco, Pacific Heights, Nob Hill, Marina, Russian Hill, Richmond, Sunset, SOMA, Mission, Noe Valley, Presidio Heights, Sea Cliff
Santa Clara County
San Jose, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Campbell, Milpitas, Gilroy
San Mateo County
Menlo Park, Atherton, Hillsborough, Woodside, Portola Valley, Redwood City, San Mateo, Burlingame, San Carlos, Belmont, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Daly City
Alameda County
Newark, Fremont, Oakland, Berkeley, Piedmont, Alameda, Hayward, Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, San Leandro, Union City, Emeryville, Albany
Contra Costa County
Walnut Creek, Danville, San Ramon, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, El Cerrito, Richmond, Alamo, Blackhawk
Marin County
San Rafael, Mill Valley, Tiburon, Sausalito, Larkspur, Corte Madera, Novato, Ross, Kentfield, San Anselmo, Belvedere, Fairfax
Discover Your Rug's True Value
Certified appraisals starting at $199. Free verbal consultations available.