Welcome to Jewel Rugs
At Jewel Rugs, we present a curated selection of vintage and antique Persian and Oriental rugs, celebrated for their exceptional quality and distinctive character. Our deep expertise and accumulated knowledge, honed over five generations in the rug business, guide us in selecting each piece with care and precision.
Our commitment to customer satisfaction and affordability makes us a preferred choice for collectors and interior designers alike. Whether you are searching for a stunning centerpiece or a subtle accent to complete your room, Jewel Rugs is your gateway to a world of vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and rich history.
We invite you to explore our large collection of unique rugs, each one adding elegance and charm to your home.
Our History
Selecting a rug from Jewel Rugs means bringing home a piece that reflects generations of tradition and expertise. For five generations, our family has been deeply involved in the world of oriental rugs, passing down expertise and passion from one generation to the next. This rich history and accumulated knowledge ensure that every rug we offer is selected with an eye for quality, authenticity, and timeless beauty.
First Generation
Our family's journey in the world of rugs began in the 1880s in Persia. During that time, Western demand for exotic goods from Persia and surrounding regions surged, with Persian rugs quickly becoming a symbol of sophistication and elegance in distinguished homes around the world. Yekutiel recognized this growing demand and began selling Persian rugs, laying the foundation for what would become a multi-generational family legacy.
Second Generation
As demand for Oriental carpets continued to rise, Yekutiel’s son, Ezra, opened two showrooms in Tehran. The first was located in the historic Grand Bazaar, and shortly thereafter he opened an additional showroom on Ferdowsi Avenue, located in the heart of the city's bustling financial and retail district. Ezra’s expertise and reputation attracted an elite clientele, which enabled him to export many fine rugs to Switzerland, France, Belgium, and other European countries.
Third Generation
Aziz continued to expand the rug business in Tehran, developing relationships with many foreign diplomats and high ranking government officials, who were on the lookout for fine carpets.
Political unrest in the late 1970s in the Middle East led to large levels of emigration to the United States. Amid this upheaval, Aziz moved to America, continuing his involvement in the rug trade even after relocating. The photo on the right, dated February 28, 1991, captures him in our rug store in Manhattan, NY.
Fourth Generation
In New York, Leon continued the family legacy by opening a store in Manhattan, where he initially focused on selling wholesale to other retailers. He recognized the shift towards e-commerce and in 2010, began offering rugs online via eBay, allowing him to sell rugs to a wider audience.
Fifth Generation
In 2020, Jon brought a fresh perspective to the family’s rug business by founding Jewel Rugs, a venture that blends tradition with modernity. After graduating from Princeton University, Jon saw an opportunity to tell the story of Persian rugs through e-commerce. He launched both an online store and an Etsy shop, significantly expanding the business's reach and allowing customers worldwide to explore and purchase these timeless pieces. Jon’s innovative approach has transformed Jewel Rugs into a global destination for Persian and Oriental rugs.