So, I decided to change it up this time and give my rosary beads a break. For this week’s blog I decided to showcase my shark tooth necklace. The necklace was given to me by a friend. She gave me the necklace on my 20th birthday before she transferred to another school in the middle of my second year at SUNY New Paltz. I consider it a symbol of our friendship. I wear it a lot now that she’s studying abroad in Italy. Maybe she’ll bring me back something else, who knows?

If you hold the shark tooth necklace at its sides you can feel the metal pieces which connect to each other. The metal pieces spiral into a thick black material, which almost feels like the strings of sweatshirts and hoodies. The string is rough as denim material. The necklace is about 7 to 8 inches long, revealing pieces of metal and wood around the string. The wood is dark, almost black even. The wood and pieces of metal, wrapped around the string, are uneven in quantity. When you hold up the necklace, there are two pieces of wood and one piece of metal on one side of the shark tooth, but then there is one piece of wood and one piece of metal on the left side.

Finally at the end of the necklace a piece of metal material holds the shark tooth necklace. Between the shark tooth necklace and metal is a plastic ball which feels smooth at the touch as if you’re rubbing a marble. Below, the shark tooth necklace is about a half an inch long. The white shark tooth is sharp around the edges. If you place your finger against the end, you’ll feel the sharpness against your skin. I wouldn’t push too hard though, you might create a cut.

So, I thought I would share my image’s description before I delve into what I’ve learned about it so far. Although they’re considered a fashion choice today, the tool was used very differently in the past. Shark teeth were used as weapons, and tools for food preparation. These tools were originally used by Native Hawaiians, who called them leiomano. Native Hawaiians would pass down some types of shark teeth to royalty. As the 20th century came along, the use of shark teeth became less a tool of survival and more of a fashion accessory.

It turns out a shark tooth necklace was a symbol of “male strength, potency and a proud display of masculinity,” as described by a few websites. The fashion choice was unsuccessful in the 1970s where they were worn to make up for some masculine shortcomings. Given their masculine and strength meaning, these necklaces offer a natural charm of “man of the wild.” They’re known to lure women and create “irresistible attraction for women near and far.” I don’t necessarily agree, but I do happen to love the quality of my necklace.

Unfortunately, the necklace broke this week, but maybe I’ll find a new latch soon. Any suggestions?