Man’s Unusual Theft Comes to Natural End: Police Recover Swallowed $19,000 Fabergé Pendant

New Zealand police have successfully recovered a valuable diamond-encrusted Fabergé pendant following an unusual six-day surveillance operation that ended when the suspected thief passed the jewelry naturally while in custody.

The bizarre incident began on November 28 when a 32-year-old man allegedly attempted to steal the rare $19,000 piece from Partridge Jewelers in downtown Auckland. Alert staff noticed the theft in progress, and police arrested the suspect before he could exit the store.

Authorities quickly determined the man had swallowed the pendant, prompting officers to establish round-the-clock monitoring of the suspect while waiting for nature to take its course. The police opted against medical intervention, instead maintaining continuous surveillance until the item was naturally expelled.

“Given this man is in Police custody, we have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances of what has occurred,” Inspector Grae Anderson told reporters during the waiting period.

The jewelry in question is a limited-edition collectible inspired by the 1983 James Bond film “Octopussy,” with only 50 pieces produced worldwide. The luxury pendant, measuring approximately 3.3 inches, features intricate craftsmanship with 18-karat gold construction, green enamel painting, and is adorned with 183 diamonds and two sapphires.

According to the jeweler’s description, the locket opens to reveal an elaborate “18ct yellow gold octopus nestled inside, adorned with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes”—making it not only valuable but also a coveted collector’s item for luxury jewelry and James Bond enthusiasts alike.

The pendant’s connection to the James Bond franchise significantly increases its value and desirability in the luxury collectibles market. The “Octopussy” film featured a Fabergé egg as a central plot device, and these limited-edition pieces capitalize on that cultural connection.

The original Fabergé firm, founded in 1842 by Gustav Fabergé in Saint Petersburg, Russia, became internationally renowned for creating elaborate jeweled eggs for the Russian Imperial family. Today, authentic Fabergé pieces are highly sought after by collectors and museums worldwide, with some historic Imperial Eggs valued in the millions of dollars.

The alleged thief, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, made an initial court appearance on November 29 but did not enter a plea to the theft charge. He has remained in custody since his arrest, with officers positioned beside him throughout the entire process.

The case highlights the unusual challenges law enforcement can face when dealing with theft attempts where suspects attempt to conceal evidence by ingestion. Such monitoring operations require significant police resources but are sometimes necessary to recover stolen property.

Following the recovery of the pendant, authorities will likely examine the item to assess any potential damage. The suspect is scheduled to appear again in Auckland District Court on Monday, where he may face formal charges related to the attempted theft.

The incident has drawn attention not only for its unusual nature but also because of the high-value luxury item involved. Partridge Jewelers, a prominent luxury retailer in New Zealand, specializes in high-end timepieces and jewelry items, including limited edition collectibles such as the Fabergé pendant.

The police have not released further details about the suspect’s motivations or whether the theft was opportunistic or planned.