What to Do with Shark Teeth You Find at the Beach: Expert Tips and Ideas

If you’re lucky enough to find a shark tooth on one of Charleston’s beaches, you may be wondering what to do with it. While some people simply put their finds on a shelf or in a jar, there are many creative ways to display your shark tooth and make it into a unique piece of jewelry.

In this article, we’ll explore seven ideas for what to do with shark teeth you find on Charleston’s beaches. From creating a display to making a necklace or bracelet, you’ll discover how to turn your free souvenir into a lasting reminder of your day at the beach. So, whether you’re a seasoned shark tooth hunter or a first-timer, read on to learn how to make the most of your find.

7 Ideas for What to Do with Shark Teeth from Charleston’s Beaches

If you’re lucky enough to find shark teeth on one of Charleston’s beaches, you might wonder what you can do with them. Here are seven ideas for how you can put your shark teeth to good use:

1. Display Them in a Shadow Box or Sandbox

A great way to display your shark teeth is to use a shadow box. You can organize your shark teeth in a layout you like, and add shells or other beach finds to your display as well. Use a small dab of hot glue on the back of each tooth to hold it in place. Another idea is to create a sandbox. Fill a slightly deep shadowbox or frame with sand and display your shark teeth on top. This works best as a display for your shelves or coffee table.

2. Make a Shark Tooth Necklace

Creating a shark tooth necklace is easier than it sounds. Get some thin wire and wrap it tightly around the top of your shark tooth, then finish it off with a loop that you can string onto the necklace-making material of your choosing. You can also add beads, shells, or anything else to your shark tooth necklace. Wearing a shark tooth necklace can offer both protection and good luck, and has been historically viewed as symbolic of strength.

3. Make Shark Tooth Earrings

If you found two shark teeth that are similar in size and shape, you can also make shark tooth earrings. Wrap wire around the root of the tooth like you would to make a necklace, then buy simple earwires or hoops online or at a craft store. You can also glue shark teeth to plain posts or studs.

4. Give Them Away

If you enjoyed finding your shark teeth more than keeping them, you might consider giving them away. Young kids in particular will be very excited to receive them. You could also make a necklace or earrings to give as a gift for the holidays or someone’s birthday. Giving your shark teeth as a gift can be personally satisfying, and can also give you the bug to go back to the beach and look for more.

5. Trade Them In at the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston

If you are a Charleston resident or you are still in Charleston on vacation, let your kids trade in your shark teeth at the aquarium. The South Carolina Aquarium has a Trading Post on the second floor where kids can trade in shark teeth and other finds. Kids can either trade for something else right away or save up points to get something bigger during another visit. The Trading Post has large shark teeth and several other types of beach fossils, as well as vials of sand from beaches around the world and a variety of other options.

6. Start a Collection

If you prefer to keep your shark teeth, then why not start a collection? There are places to find shark teeth all around Charleston, from the main beaches to Charleston’s uninhabited sea islands and even some of the area’s inland waterways. You can also find shark teeth at various other beaches along the U.S. east coast and around the world. The more shark teeth you find, the more interesting you may find them. You can collect teeth from dozens of extinct species of sharks, all of which have their own unique characteristics. You can also find shark teeth at different stages of fossilization. The oldest shark teeth found in the Charleston area have been under the water for millions of years.

7. Learn More About Your Shark Teeth

No matter what you do with your shark teeth, it can be fascinating to learn more about them. With a little bit of research, you can learn about the species your teeth are from, and you can learn all about the species’ history and how your shark teeth ended up on Charleston’s beaches. A great resource is A Beachcomber’s Guide to Fossils. This book provides detailed information about the shark teeth and other fossils you can find in the Charleston area, and some of the book’s authors are Charleston locals who have spent decades exploring the local shores.

Whether you choose to display your shark teeth, make jewelry out of them, give them away, trade them in, start a collection, or learn more about them, there are plenty of ways to put your shark teeth to good use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you identify a shark tooth you found on the beach?

Shark teeth are usually triangular and have serrated edges. They can range in size from a few millimeters to several inches. The color and shape of the tooth can also help identify the species of shark it came from.

What tools are recommended for hunting shark teeth on the beach?

A small shovel or scoop, a sifter, and a mesh bag are recommended tools for hunting shark teeth on the beach. A scoop or shovel is useful for digging through the sand, while a sifter can help separate the shells and other debris from the teeth. A mesh bag is useful for carrying the teeth and other treasures you find.

Are shark teeth found on beaches valuable?

The value of shark teeth found on beaches depends on several factors, including the size, rarity, and condition of the tooth. Some teeth can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars to collectors, while others may only be worth a few dollars.

What’s the best time to search for shark teeth on the beach?

The best time to search for shark teeth on the beach is after a storm or during low tide. Storms can wash up new layers of sand and expose older layers that may contain teeth. Low tide can also reveal areas of the beach that are normally covered by water.

Can you keep shark teeth that you find on the beach?

In most cases, you are allowed to keep shark teeth that you find on the beach. However, it is always a good idea to check local regulations and laws before collecting any natural resources from the beach.

What are the legal considerations for collecting shark teeth on beaches?

Some beaches may have regulations or laws regarding the collection of natural resources, including shark teeth. It is important to check with local authorities and follow any rules or guidelines that are in place. Additionally, it is important to respect the environment and not disturb any wildlife or habitats while collecting shark teeth.