Our 5 Favorite Shark Tooth Necklaces You’ll Want to Show Off This Season
Sharks have fascinated humans since the two species first came into contact. Although movies like “Jaws,” the Steven Spielberg classic from the ‘70s, have given sharks a bad reputation, there is still a low risk for an individual to get injured by a shark. Experts contend that we are far better off with our fine-finned friends than without.
All About Shark Teeth
If they fall to the bottom of the ocean the shark teeth get covered in sediment. Sediment is why the fossilized teeth will be colored either gray, black, or brown. After being covered in sediment the shark teeth fossilize, and then end up on the beach someday. Since sharks continually shed their teeth - normally only having a specific tooth for a week - there are many shark teeth to be found!
Fast Facts About Shark Teeth:
- A great white shark can have over 30,000 teeth in its lifetime
- Shark teeth are covered in fluoride, so they are naturally cavity-resistant! Jealous?
- All sharks are born with teeth!
- A fossilized Megalodon tooth is worth $300 on average.
- While most sharks have 5-15 rows of teeth, bull sharks have 50!
- Whale sharks have 3,000 teeth - but they only eat plankton.
- Sharks lose a tooth a week and make a new one in only 24 hours.
- While our upper jaw is attached to our skull, theirs detaches.
- Shark teeth don’t have roots, so they fall out easily while eating.
Why are Sharks so Special to Hawaii?
When we think about Hawaii, we may first think about palm trees, beaches, and luaus. But sharks hold a special place in Hawaiian culture and, therefore, are well represented in Hawaiian jewelry. To find out why, you first need to understand the concept of ‘aumākua.
In Hawaiian culture, all things, animate and inanimate, have an internal energy or spirit. This allows them to communicate with one of the four higher beings: Kane, Ku, Lono, or Kanaloa. Sharks are considered one of the half-human spirits and are treated with reverence. They are common to families that live near the sea, along with other sea ‘aumākua, like the squid and eel.
Why Do People Wear Shark Tooth Necklaces?
The wearing of shark tooth necklaces originated with Hawaiian jewelry. The shark tooth necklace myth states that wearing a shark tooth when going into the ocean will protect an individual from shark bites. This is because, according to legend, a young Hawaiian warrior went to battle a sea god in the ocean and came back victorious wearing a shark tooth. Sailors would also decorate their ships with shark teeth, and Native Hawaiians also used them as weapons on clubs.
Once “Jaws” hit the screen, shark tooth necklaces became a mainstream fashion statement. Today, shark tooth necklaces are still seen widely in surfer communities and as a Bohemian fashion statement. However, wearing a piece of Hawaiian jewelry is still seen as original and a statement piece.
Our Top 5 Shark Tooth Necklaces
Whether you’re looking for beautiful, meaningful Hawaiian jewelry for yourself or as a gift for a friend, you can’t go wrong with one of these five shark tooth necklaces that make for the perfect summer accessory:
- Auriculatus Fossil Tooth Pendant
- Bone Valley Megalodon Tooth Pendant
- 2 7/16” Large Megalodon Tooth Pendant
- Parotodus Benedeni with Turquoise Inlay
- Parotodus Benedeni with Pyrite Inlay
Auriculatus Shark Tooth Pendant
When looking for shark tooth necklaces, there are many things to consider, like color, size, rarity, and shark type. Our Beautiful Auriculatus Fossil Tooth Pendant has a natural contrast between its root and blade, which sets it apart. The Otodus Auriculatus ruled the seas nearly 30 million years ago! Your Hawaiian jewelry choice of necklace will finish the look.
Megalodon Shark Tooth Necklace
Our Bone Valley Megalodon Tooth Pendant is 12 million years old and was found in Bone Valley, Florida, in the phosphorus mines of Polk County. The mines have been closed, so this pendant is original and hard to find. It’s gorgeous with its color contrast between root and blade. This is Hawaiian jewelry at its most fascinating!
2 7/16" Large Megalodon Tooth Pendant
A magnificent find is our 2 7/16” Large Megalodon Tooth Pendant. The Megalodon is extinct and was a species that was three times the size of the great white shark and could grow up to 60 feet long! With this stunning specimen around your neck, you are certain to be starting conversations everywhere you go. When choosing Hawaiian jewelry, you want to be certain to pick one that speaks to you!
Parotodus Benedeni Shark Tooth Necklace
Another gorgeous selection we have is the Parotodus Benedeni with Turquoise Inlay. Parotodus Benedeni is another extinct shark, sometimes referred to as the ‘false-toothed mako.’ This necklace has a turquoise healing crystal inlay that is stunningly set off against the beautiful dark gray of the tooth itself. Hawaiian jewelry is known for its gorgeous colors and combinations.
Parotodus Benedeni With Pyrite Inlay
Looking to make a statement with your Hawaiian jewelry? The rare Parotodus Benedeni tooth, coupled with the Pyrite inlay, allows for a stunning display of grey, black, tan, and orange highlights in your shark tooth necklace. This will truly be a showstopper in your Hawaiian jewelry collection.
How Do They Get the Shark Teeth for Hawaiian jewelry?
Don’t worry! No sharks are harmed in the making of our shark tooth necklaces for Hawaiian jewelry. Jewelers either get them washed up at the beach, or divers will gather them from the bottom of the sea. Sharks have been around for 400 million years, and, since their bodies are made of cartilage, their teeth are the only thing that remains. It can take up to 10,000 years for the teeth to fully fossilize, but they are still easy to find.
Why Are Shark Tooth Necklaces Special as Hawaiian Jewelry?
If you are looking for a gift for yourself or for a friend that speaks of Hawaii, nothing could embody the feeling more than a shark tooth necklace. Sharks are revered and believed to be worthy of respect and admiration. Their beauty aside, you will have a symbol of strength around your neck. Shark tooth necklaces are also a fun conversation starter.