How to Make Tiger Shark Tooth Necklaces and Jewelry

Making Tiger Shark Tooth Necklaces

Tiger shark teeth make for beautiful and unique jewelry. Their striking coloration and distinct serrated shape allow them to stand out when incorporated into necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. While tiger shark teeth can be purchased online or from specialty shops, making your own tiger shark tooth necklace can be much more meaningful and personalized.

Gather Your Materials

Making a shark tooth necklace requires just a few simple materials:

• Tiger shark teeth
• Jewelry pliers
• Jewelry wire
• Beads, chains, or other pendants (optional)

Tiger shark teeth can be purchased online from a variety of retailers. Make sure to choose teeth that are legal and ethically sourced. When selecting teeth, pick ones with minimal damage and an intact root. The root allows the tooth to be wired and wrapped more easily.

For wiring the tooth, an 18-20 gauge jewelry beading wire works well. A thinner 24-26 gauge wire can be used for adding decorative wire wrapping details. Avoid using wire that is too thin or soft, as it will not properly hold the tooth.

Round nose and flat nose jewelry pliers are essential for shaping the wire and creating loops. Make sure to have both sizes available. Additional decorative beads, chains, or pendants can be added to create a more elaborate necklace.

Prepare the Tooth

Once you have gathered your materials, you can begin preparing the shark tooth. First, inspect the tooth root and clean it if needed to remove any debris. Use a wire brush or dental pick to gently clear away any material covering the root.

Next, determine the angle and direction you want the tooth to hang when on the necklace. Plan where you will attach the wire to the root for the desired positioning. Use jewelry pliers to create a small 90 degree bend at one end of the jewelry wire. This will become the part that wraps around and attaches to the tooth root.

Attach the Wire

Take the bent end of the wire and begin wrapping it around the root of the tooth. Wrap the wire so it is tight against the root. Place your pliers at the base of the tooth root and tightly pinch the wire to secure it.

Wrap the wire around the root several times to ensure it is tightly fastened. Use your pliers to apply pressure all along the wire, compressing it against the root. This creates friction and stability in the wrapping.

After securely wrapping the base, use your pliers to bend any excess wire back towards the main part of the tooth. This folds it neatly against the root. The bent wire should run parallel along the main wire, with no sharp ends exposed.

Shape the Necklace

Once your tooth is wired, you can begin shaping the main part of the necklace. Take the remaining wire and use pliers to bend a small loop at the top. This loop will allow you to thread a chain, cord, or additional beads through.

Decide on the desired necklace length and shape the wire into the loops or designs you want. For a simple necklace, you can make a loop at the bottom as well to attach a clasp or chain. Get creative with your pliers to make loops, spirals, or wraps along the length of the wire.

Embellish with Beads

Add interest to your necklace by including beads or additional shark teeth. Plan where you want them placed and make small loops in the wire using your pliers. String beads onto the wire before completing the loops to hold them in place.

Consider using beads made of natural materials like bone, shell, wood, or stone. These can complement the natural look of the shark tooth. Make sure to place your beads strategically so they don't slide around on the wire.

Finish the Ends

Once you are happy with the design, finish the necklace ends. Use pliers to neatly wrap any excess wire back onto itself. At the top loop, attach a clasp, chain, or necklace cord to complete the necklace.

For an especially professional finish, apply jewelry tips to the ends of the wire. Thread the ends into the tip tube and use pliers to squeeze the tube tightly shut. Trim any excess wire so the tips sit neatly and securely.

Other Shark Tooth Jewelry Ideas

While necklaces are most common, tiger shark teeth can be incorporated into all kinds of unique jewelry:

• Earrings - Wire wrap single teeth for daring dangling earrings.
• Rings - Embed a tooth in a wire wrapped or beaded setting for an eye-catching ring.
• Bracelets - Intermix tiger shark teeth with beads for a meaningful shark tooth bracelet.
• Anklets - Create a boho beach anklet using small tiger shark teeth.
• Brooches - Wire wrap teeth creatively and pin them onto clothing or hats.

Let your creativity run wild when brainstorming how to transform tiger shark teeth into wearable art. The bold colors and textures lend well to all kinds of designs.

Caring for Your Shark Tooth Jewelry

Shark tooth jewelry, like any natural material, requires some care and maintenance for longevity. Here are some tips for keeping your shark tooth necklace looking its best:

• Store properly - Keep jewelry in a fabric lined box or pouch to prevent scratches.
• Remove before swimming - Take off shark tooth jewelry before pool, ocean, or chemical exposure.
• Clean gently - Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap to gently scrub teeth. Avoid harsh cleaners.
• Avoid chemicals - Exposure to chemicals like perfume can damage or discolor shark teeth.
• Prevent impacts - Remove your shark tooth necklace before activities where it may get knocked or pulled.

With occasional cleaning and proper storage, your handmade tiger shark tooth necklace can last for many years. The tooth may age over time, gaining character and a lovely patina.

Make a Statement with Shark Teeth

Tiger shark teeth are the perfect way to add exotic, eco-inspired flair to your jewelry collection. Whether you prefer a simple wire wrapped tooth or an elaborate bead encrusted design, creating your own shark tooth necklace allows you to make a personally meaningful statement piece. Let your individuality and creativity shine by crafting a necklace as unique as you are.

FAQs

Where can I buy tiger shark teeth for jewelry making?

Tiger shark teeth can be purchased from specialty online retailers that source and sell shark teeth. Make sure they follow ethical collecting practices. You may also be able to find tiger shark teeth being sold by individual collectors.

What tools do I need to make a shark tooth necklace?

The basic tools needed are pliers (round nose and flat nose), jewelry wire cutters, and jewelry wire such as beading wire or tarnish-resistant craft wire. You may also want crimp beads and wire crimping pliers.

How do I get the wire to stay wrapped around the tooth?

Wrap the wire tightly around the root of the tooth several times. Use pliers to compress the wire against the root, creating friction and tension that will hold it in place securely.

What is the best way to attach a clasp?

Making a loop with pliers at the ends of the wire allows for a clasp or chain to be attached. You can also use jewelry findings like crimp beads and wire guardians to attach pre-made clasps.

Can I use real shark teeth from sharks I have caught?

It is recommended to only use ethical and sustainable sources of shark teeth for jewelry. Never remove teeth from a living shark and follow local regulations regarding collecting shark teeth.