Cory Schifter
Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser
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Co-authored Articles (91)
How to
Tie Friendship Bracelets
Making friendship bracelets can be really fun, but it’s hard to know the best way to tie them onto your wrist. Start your bracelet with a loop on one side or braid the frayed ends on each side. Then, choose from a numb...
How to
Put Charms on a Pandora Bracelet
Pandora bracelets are a great addition to your jewelry collection, and you can choose from lots of different charms to suit your taste and personality. Most Pandora bracelets have charms that twist right onto the bracele...
How to Identify a Black Diamond: Tests, Characteristics & More
Determine if your “carbonado” is real or fake with this guide Natural black diamonds are fairly rare and have unique qualities to look for—namely a large number of inclusions, an opaque black or very dark brown col...
How to
Tell if a Diamond is Real
Finding out whether or not your diamond is real is a tantalizing proposition — do you want to know without a doubt? Most curious citizens turn to a professional jeweler in order to suss it out. But you don't have to be...
How to Remove a Stuck Ring: 5 Effective Strategies
Learn how to get a ring off a swollen finger with this guideHas it been a while since you took off a ring? Did you try on a ring that seemed big enough going on but won't readily come off? Don't panic—there are some si...
How to
Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner to Clean Your Jewelry
You may have taken your jewelry to the jewelers to get cleaned. They offer this service free and then they tell you what problems the piece has. *If your jewelry was not bought from them, you may have to pay extra money ...
4 Easy Ways to Safely Open a Pandora Bracelet
Most Pandora bracelets feature a specific type of snap clasp called a barrel clasp. It's firm but it's easy to pry open with your fingers or a clasp opener. The stopper beads protecting the ends of these bracelets open t...
How to
Remove Chrome Plating
Chrome plating is process by which a thin layer of chromium is applied to a metal surface through electroplating (usually on top of a layer of nickel). The ultra-shiny results are decorative, corrosion and tarnish resist...
How to
Refine Gold
Learn how to purify and reshape gold with our guideYou may want to make some extra money by refining your own gold at home, or you may be a jeweler who wants to refine gold in-house. There are multiple ways to refine gol...
How to
Identify Baccarat Crystal
Finding a piece of Baccarat crystal is a rare treasure, but it’s important to verify that it’s authentic before you spend a lot of money on an item. Baccarat is a French company which has been producing high-quality ...
How to Create a Macrame or Sliding Knot Adjustable Bracelet
Learn to make fashionable bracelets at home in just 5 minutesTo make a simple adjustable bracelet, all you need is 1 meter (37.4 in) of paracord or satin nylon cord and whatever beads you’d like to decorate it with. Wh...
How to
Connect Metal Without Soldering
Soldering is especially useful for delicate projects such as making jewelry or connecting electronic components, but it forms a weak bond that can easily be broken. Fortunately, you have plenty of other options to choose...
How to
Make Loom Bracelets
Rubber band loom bracelets are easy and cheap to create, making them a great option for the penny-pinching, fashion-conscious consumer. However, there are many different methods to make loom bracelets, varying from simpl...
How to
Chrome Plate
The best options for DIY chrome plating Authentic chrome plating involves layering chromium over the surface of a metal or plastic object. Since this process can be extremely dangerous due to the fumes and chemicals used...
How to
Shrink a Silicone Bracelet
Get your silicone bracelet fitting properly Silicone bracelets are a fun way to support a cause, show off your favorite logos, or just add a pop of color to your look. They’re often mass-produced and come in only a few...
How Much Are Real Pearls Worth? The Price Behind Pearls Explained
Pearl jewelry gives off a sense of elegance and class that’s hard to come by otherwise. Whether you’re looking to buy a new piece or sell an old one, understanding the value of real pearls can help you out. We’ve ...
How to
Make a 4 Strand Braided Bracelet
center If you've mastered a basic 3-strand braid and want a bit of a challenge, add an extra strand! Once you get the hang of working with 4 strands of yarn, ribbon, or leather, you'll be surprised at how easy it is to c...
How to
Make Ankle Bracelets
Ankle bracelets call to mind carefree summer days, long floral skirts, and the smell of fresh cut grass. They are a symbol of friendship and a unique accessory to add to any outfit. They are easy to make at home and can ...
How to
Identify Murano Glass
Tell if a piece of glass is from Murano using these close-up tricks In 1291, the mayor of Venice, Italy ordered that all glass factories move to the island of Murano to prevent harmful factory fires from affecting Venice...
How to
Add Charms to a Charm Bracelet
Whether your charms hold sentimental value or they show off your personal style, your charm bracelet is truly a one-of-a-kind fashion accessory. Luckily, adding to it doesn't require the help of a professional jeweler. I...
