Looking Sharp with Shark Tooth Jewelry
Did you know that some sharks can have up to 30,000 teeth in their lifetime? Because sharks continually lose teeth either while devouring prey or from other natural causes, the number of shark teeth found in the ocean or that wash up on beaches can be astounding!
Shark teeth are some of the only bones present in their bodies, too, so they are often the only thing left from many long-extinct species like the Megalodon.
It should be noted, however, that catching sharks for the use of their teeth or anything else is highly illegal. Any fossils or jewelry pendants should only come from teeth that have fallen out through natural causes. For the most part, shark tooth jewelry is perfectly safe since it comes from teeth that are found in the ocean or along the beach, making a piece of Hawaiian jewelry that’ll last a lifetime!
What Does Shark Tooth Jewelry Symbolize?
Shark teeth are often known as a symbol of protection. Ancient Hawaiian people wore shark tooth jewelry to keep danger far from them when they were in the sea. According to some legends, a young Hawaiian warrior conquered a sea god in battle and, once victorious, rose up from the ocean ornamented with a necklace of shark teeth.
Since then, surfers, swimmers, and others that spend a lot of time in the ocean believed that wearing a shark tooth necklace would keep them safe from a shark attack.
A Shark Obsessed Culture
Once Jaws debuted in 1975, shark tooth necklaces gained popularity. These days, we have Shark Week, a faux holiday that's celebrated every August on the Discovery Channel. Sharks seem to have a cult following, with everyone wanting a souvenir from one!
Here at Whaler's Locker, we're a big fan of sharks, too! Living in Hawaii means we have great respect for the ocean and all the beautiful creatures living in it, including many different species of sharks.
We are proud to carry a diverse collection of shark tooth jewelry, and while it may be hard to pick our favorites, we have tried our best. Check out a few of our Hawaiian jewelry pieces featuring the most beautiful shark tooth fossils you’ve ever seen including fossils from:
- Mako sharks
- Great White sharks
- Megalodon
Our Favorite Mako Shark Pendants
Alluring Fossil Mako Tooth Pendant
With beautiful yellow, orange, black, and ivory hues, this Mako tooth fossil pendant is unique and perfect for the shark lover in your life.
Small Fossil Mako Tooth Pendant
We love this pendant not only because of its straight, sharp point, but also because of its beautiful lighter speckled root. It is truly a statement piece.
Fossil Mako Tooth Pendant
This massive tooth contrasts a cappuccino brown root and a lighter, marbled blade. We think it would pair beautifully with a sterling silver chain!
What We Love About the Mako Shark
Called the peregrine falcon of sharks, the Mako shark is the fastest shark on Earth, and is extremely dangerous because of its speed and ability to jump — up to nine meters high! However, they generally live far off the coast, so the danger to humans is minimal.
The name Mako comes from the Maori word for shark, and the Maori people view them as their guardian spirits.
Our Favorite Great White Shark Pendant
Fossil Great White Tooth Pendant
This large Great White fossil is a beautiful dark pendant featuring remarkably precise serrations along the edges, giving it even more personality. Blow your friend’s minds during Shark Week sporting this beauty from the ocean’s most ferocious predator.
What We Love About the Great White Shark
While the Mako shark can swim at speeds as fast as 46 miles per hour, the Great White cruises at about 15-35 miles per hour. However, considering their sheer size and the force of their jaws, they’re the apex predator of the ocean for a reason! Great White Shark pups weigh anywhere from 50-60 pounds at birth! A real force to be reckoned with, even at the beginning of their life cycle.
Our Favorite Megalodon Shark Pendants
Megalodon Pendant
This beautiful dark grey and black tooth is a stunning piece, sure to wow even the biggest Megalodon fanatic. With minimal contrast between the blade and root, this dark Megalodon tooth would fit in as either a statement piece of Hawaiian jewelry or a basic day-to-day wardrobe essential.
Megalodon Shark Tooth Pendant
If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with a striking statement piece of shark tooth jewelry, this is it! This beautiful 2 ½" piece has gorgeous dark and light contrasts that make this tooth stand out from the pack. A definite must-have for anyone obsessed with unique Hawaiian jewelry.
What We Love About the Megalodon Shark
Meaning "big tooth," Megalodon was the largest predator that has ever lived. Think nearly three times as long and 20 times as large as the Great White. Now long extinct, Megalodon is the epitome of a Shark Week MVP.
Did you know that some Megalodon tooth fossils can be as big as six to seven inches long? That's massive compared to any other shark tooth fossils found on Earth!
Speaking of teeth: Megalodon likely had five rows of teeth, amounting to at least 276 teeth total. When these teeth fell out, which they regularly did, Megalodon was able to replace them in as little as 24 to 48 hours!
Shark Tooth Jewelry, Not Shark Bites
Whether you're swimming in the beautiful waters off the coast of the Hawaiian Islands or enjoying time in an ocean closer to your home, make sure the only souvenir you take home is a piece of beautiful shark tooth jewelry, not a shark bite! While shark attacks are not as frequent as you may think — about 70 to 100 attacks a year, with only five to 15 resulting in death — staying safe and alert in the ocean is essential.
Hawaiian Jewelry for Everyone
Whaler’s Locker has proudly served Maui and the Lahaina community since 1971. From shark tooth jewelry, hand-crafted knives, scrimshaw artwork, and tons of other Hawaiian jewelry, we believe we have a little aloha spirit for everyone who visits us, in person or now, online. Contact us today to bring a piece of Hawaiian jewelry or artwork home with you!