Meet David Herskowitz:

The Man Behind the Fossils, Dinosaurs Auction, and the Sharkra Story

When you step into the world of Sharkra — browsing Megalodon pendants, ancient minerals, or fossils that feel like they belong in a museum — you’re actually stepping into the lifelong journey of one man: David Herskowitz, a Natural History Specialist with more than 35 years of expertise uncovering, evaluating, and preserving Earth’s most extraordinary treasures.

But David’s story doesn’t begin with shark teeth or dinosaurs. It begins, like many great adventures, with curiosity.

From Gems & Minerals to Ancient Worlds

David entered the world of fine gems and minerals in 1988, long before “natural history collecting” was a mainstream passion. He spent his early years learning the language of stones — their clarity, origin, formation, and value.

Then, everything changed.

One day, he encountered an insect preserved in amber — a tiny time capsule holding millions of years of history. That moment ignited a new fascination: the desire to understand not just what an object is, but the ancient world it came from.

That spark became his life’s work.

A Career Built Across the World’s Most Respected Auction Houses

David’s expertise didn’t stay hidden in gem showrooms. It carried him into some of the most respected natural history departments in the auction world:

🔹 Bonham’s Auction House (London, 1994–1995)

David began his natural history brokerage in the U.K., gaining international exposure to rare fossils and historic artifacts.

🔹 Phillips Auctioneers & Appraisers (New York, 1995–1997)

He managed five major natural history auctions, setting the foundation for his reputation in the U.S. market.

🔹 Butterfield & Butterfield (San Francisco & Los Angeles, 1997–2002)

David conducted seven natural history auctions and authored their catalogs — work that further positioned him as a leader in authentications and valuations.

🔹 I.M. Chait Gallery (Beverly Hills, 2002–2007)

As the Director of Natural History, he was responsible for sourcing and overseeing collections ranging from dinosaur bones to meteorites.

🔹 Heritage Auctions (2007–Present)

Today, David serves as the Director of Natural History at one of the largest auction houses in the world.
He appraises, evaluates, and curates everything from:

• Dinosaur skeletons

• Rare meteorites

• Paleolithic tools

• Fossil shark teeth

• Significant mineral specimens

• And other extraordinary pieces from Earth’s deep history

His expertise is so widely recognized that he has been featured in:

• The Washington Post

• The New York Times

• Natural History Magazine

And interviewed on major networks such as:

• CNN

• NBC

• ABC

A Leader in His Field — and the Heart of Sharkra

While David’s professional life is defined by museum-grade specimens and major auctions, Sharkra reflects the personal side of his passion.

Sharkra was born from the desire to make natural history wearable, collectible, accessible, and meaningful — not just for high-end collectors, but for anyone who feels connected to the ancient world.

Our Megalodon pendants, fossil jewelry, gemstones, and minerals all carry David’s eye for authenticity, rarity, and story. Every piece we offer has been selected through decades of experience and a lifetime of love for Earth’s history.

Why His Experience Matters for You

When you purchase from Sharkra, you’re not just buying a fossil or a pendant. You’re buying:

• A piece vetted by a world-recognized expert

• Authentic natural-history specimens

• Items sourced through trusted global relationships

• The confidence that your piece is real, significant, and responsibly obtained

• A connection to millions of years of Earth’s story

Whether it’s a Megalodon tooth for a necklace or a dinosaur fossil for your private collection, you’re backed by one of the most qualified specialists in the field.