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Check out local Estate Auctions...in SF Harvey Clars and Auctions by the Bay. You will soon see the Persian Mafia.

Costco has a Road Show in which U can get some decent looking Handmade Rugs from India and China for very reasonable money.

When U buy retail there is a HUGH markup. Best place to buy Good rugs is at Auction, just watch the Persians and when they stop bidding you stop. If U want a rug U can outbid them by a bid or two since they are dealers and are buying wholesale. However I have seen them take people out to the deep end on rugs. Its worthwhile just watching the Persians for entertainement value.

I personally get confused about rugs, there is SO MUCH TO KNOW. I have several books on the subject and still don't know squat. I know that rugs made in the 19th century with Organic dyes is where the real money is at. More knots per sq inch the better. Silk doesn't last as long.

In So CAl there is a group of about a dozen Persian Rug Dealers I call the Mafia, they have one guy do all the biding so that they don't compete among themselves. I call him the Prince since he acts like royalty and is quiet a character. He will bid stuff up just for spite.