Sperm whale tooth

Sperm whale tooth comes from the lower jaw of the largest toothed whale, a material famous in the sailors' art of scrimshaw, where whalers engraved hunting scenes into it. It is rare and weighty in the literal sense: a single tooth can weigh hundreds of grams, its structure a dense cream-white dentine that ages to a warm honey, almost caramel tone. Honesty about the law is essential here: the sperm whale is protected under CITES, international trade in its teeth is banned, and only material with documents proving pre-ban origin, or antique pieces within national rules that vary by country, can be legal. New demand for such material is indefensible, and we treat it as a historical and collector's category. In the hand sperm whale tooth is markedly dense and cool, with a smooth, almost waxy polish that is remarkably pleasant; it is heavier than bone and holds the warmth of the palm. Spun, it sounds low and solid, a deep bony tone without ring. The patina that forms is deep and golden-honey, sometimes with a fine net of age cracks that lends character. Care is cautious: stable humidity, no direct heat or sun, a dry soft wipe so the dentine does not dry out. For those seeking the same noble weight without legal and ethical questions, we recommend mammoth ivory. Sperm whale tooth is a material for those who understand the history of the sea and the rarity of the object.