During their lifetime, sharks lose thousands of teeth and constantly generate new ones. Due to their unique and interesting design, shark teeth are a key component of fashion jewellery worldwide.
There is a huge abundance of real shark teeth in our environment, however fake ones do exist and can provide a substitute for real teeth if there is a monetary or ethical issue. Here’s how to tell if the fossilised shark tooth or shark tooth necklace you bought is real or fake.
How to tell if a shark tooth is real
Visit a museum
The best way to get an idea of what a real shark tooth looks like is to visit a museum with a substantial collection of teeth, to understand what characteristics make up real teeth. The museum guides will be more than happy to help you. You also might learn some amazing facts about shark teeth and other fossils whilst you are there.
Examine the tooth
It is useful to examine the shark tooth with a magnifying glass. Real shark teeth have imperfections, whereas a fake plastic shark tooth may feel smooth and perfect. Fake teeth are often made from plastic, porcelain, glass, metal and rubber, and are manufactured to replicate the look, but occasionally the feel, of real shark teeth.
Fake shark teeth are usually a bright white colour, whereas real, imperfect shark teeth can look dark or off-coloured. Finally, real shark teeth are cold to touch, whereas fake teeth are slightly warm or room temperature.
Research
Before buying a shark tooth, research the type of tooth you wish to purchase and learn about its distinct characteristics. Search Google for ‘characteristics of a [insert shark tooth]’. It can also be a good idea to take the shark tooth to an expert to help identify whether it is real or fake.
We hope this article helps you feel confident in your shark tooth purchase! Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our collection of shark teeth. Don’t worry, all of ours are real.