Shark Tooth Necklace

How to Choose a Shark Tooth Necklace That Stands Out

A shark tooth necklace is part jewellery, part conversation starter. Surfers, beach lovers, and anyone drawn to ocean culture have worn them for decades — but the style traces back to Hawaiian and Polynesian warriors who wore shark teeth as symbols of protection and strength. Today, you can find everything from genuine fossil teeth on leather cord to polished silver replicas on fine chains.

Real vs Replica Shark Teeth

Genuine shark tooth pendants come from two sources: modern shark teeth (white, cream, or grey) and fossilised teeth (black, brown, or dark grey, millions of years old). Fossilised teeth are legal, ethically sourced from natural deposits, and far more durable than modern teeth. Real modern teeth are more fragile and may chip. Replica shark teeth in sterling silver, stainless steel, or resin give you the aesthetic without the fragility or ethical questions. A metal shark tooth necklace also avoids the size limitations of real teeth.

Materials for the Chain or Cord

Leather cord gives the classic surfer look — it suits beach and casual settings but degrades with saltwater and sweat. Waxed cotton cord is more weather-resistant and comes in various colours. Stainless steel or sterling silver chains upgrade the piece for everyday wear and hold up far better against moisture. For a rugged feel, braided hemp or paracord works well.

Size and Proportion

Shark teeth vary massively in size. A megalodon fossil tooth can be 15 cm long — dramatic but heavy. Most wearable shark tooth necklaces use teeth between 2 and 5 cm. For men, a larger tooth (3 to 5 cm) on a thicker cord or chain creates a bold statement. For women or a subtler look, a 2 to 3 cm tooth on a finer chain balances style with wearability. Check the weight — a heavy pendant on a thin chain will swing and catch on things.

Setting and Wrapping Styles

Wire-wrapped teeth are the most common setting — silver or gold wire coils around the tooth’s root, creating a bail for the chain. This method keeps the tooth visible from all angles. Bezel settings encase the tooth’s edge in metal, giving a more polished, jewellery-like finish. Cap settings cover just the root end in metal. Some shark tooth necklaces pair the tooth with beads or smaller charms on either side for a more layered look.

Authenticity and Ethics

Fossilised shark teeth are not from living sharks — they are geological specimens millions of years old, collected from riverbanks, deserts, and ocean sediments. They are completely ethical. Modern shark teeth should come from sustainably sourced operations (teeth shed naturally by sharks in aquariums, for example). If a seller cannot explain where the tooth came from, that is a red flag. Reputable sellers provide origin information.

Care Guide

Real teeth and fossils should be kept dry when possible. Rinse with fresh water after saltwater exposure and air dry. Avoid dropping them on hard surfaces — fossil teeth can fracture on impact. Metal replicas just need a wipe with a dry cloth. Leather cord should be conditioned occasionally to prevent cracking. Store the necklace laid flat rather than hanging to reduce cord stretch.

Pricing in Australia

Shark tooth necklaces in Australia range from $25 to $200 AUD. Simple modern teeth on cord sit at the lower end. Sterling silver replicas and wire-wrapped fossil teeth occupy the mid-range. Large megalodon fossils or solid gold shark tooth pendants push toward the higher end.