The Amethyst Pirates

These unlucky Pirates thought they’d get away with stealing a ship load of precious Amethyst from this protected cove. Protected by a Giant Squid who watches over these jewels at all times. Pity the fools that think they can get away with such a treasure.

The Squid is wise, and has been tested many times before, all with the same result. She comes to the surface, wraps her many tentacles around the ship, and drags it to the bottom. She then summons the “Underworld Boatman” to come and take the drowned Pirates away.

I’ve started this piece with a thick slice of Brazilian Amethyst, and added a plate of smoked glass to one side. I then used a thin slice of Brazilian Agate, which I cut to size and ground to shape, for the lid.

When I was done with this top section and lid, I poured a layer of Epoxy over the entire top face of the lid, and the top of the thicker slice of Amethyst, to give them a more “watery” look.

After doing multiple steps of metalworking and Epoxy work on this top section, I had to create a hollow space underneath for the figures. This proved to be quite a challenge, but with persistence, I was able to create the space I needed. Then, once again, extensive metalwork was done to complete the outside.

I mounted the Pirate Ship and Giant Squid on a specimen of Sandstone, from Utah, and also added a few broken off pieces of Amethyst. I then installed some LED lights to illuminate this scene when lit.

I have more that 30 steps involved in the making of this piece, but it was well worth the effort. I hand cut and finished a slice of a hardwood, “Sapele”, from Africa, for the base and added a layer of heavy felt to protect furniture.

Price: $3000.
Dimensions: 13″ x 13″ x 13″
Weight: 50 lbs.
Electric: 12 vdc LED’s
Figures: Underworld Boatman and Squid by Rawcliffe,
Pirate Ship bought on line.
Year Made: 2026