Authentication Process

Each tooth and jaw at SharkDr.com is examined under magnification for enamel structure, serration geometry, root morphology, and patina or matrix coloration consistent with its claimed era and locality. We measure with calibrated digital calipers and weigh in grams. We photograph every surface — labial face, lingual face, profile, root, tip, scale-bar shot, and an in-hand shot for human reference.

What we examine on every piece

• Enamel structure. Real great white enamel has a subtle three-dimensional structure that reproductions and casts cannot replicate. Under magnification, the surface shows the layered crystalline pattern characteristic of biological calcium phosphate.
• Serration geometry. Serrations should be sharp and irregular under close inspection. Perfectly uniform serrations are a cast tell.
• Root morphology. Real roots show natural porosity and the two-lobe structure characteristic of the species. Cast or restored roots have a smoother, synthetic surface.
• Patina and coloration. Pre-ban modern teeth show enamel mellowed by decades in private collection. Documented modern teeth show brighter, less aged enamel. Fossil teeth carry locality-specific coloration that traces directly to the formation they were sourced from.

What goes into the listing

What goes into the listing — the editorial paragraph, the specifications block, the provenance line — is what we have on file. What does not appear in the listing is not held back. Where a piece has been restored, the restoration is described, the preparator is identified if known, and the price reflects it.

Every listing carries: species (scientific and common), era classification, slant height in inches and millimeters, weight in grams, locality or sourcing region, condition grade with notes, serration grade, root condition, and a hand-written provenance paragraph for that specific piece.

Lifetime authenticity guarantee

The lifetime authenticity guarantee is the warranty behind every line. If anything we have written about a piece is ever shown to be wrong in any material respect — wrong species identification, wrong era classification, undisclosed restoration, or any other inaccuracy in the listing — the piece is refundable for the full purchase price, regardless of how much time has passed.

The guarantee runs to the original buyer and is transferrable once to a private successor (a family member or named heir). For institutional acquisitions, the guarantee transfers automatically with the institution's holdings under standard deaccessioning practices.

For full guarantee terms, see the Returns and Authenticity Guarantee page.

Certificate of authenticity

Every piece ships with a printed certificate of authenticity that records the SKU, species, era, slant height, weight, locality, condition grade, and provenance. The certificate is signed and dated. We retain an archived copy in our records linked to the order. Buyers should keep the original certificate with the piece — it travels forward as part of the chain of custody.