Man Swallows $19K Fabergé Egg Pendant in Theft

Published: 03 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A New Zealand man has been charged with theft after allegedly stealing a diamond-studded locket in an unusual manner—by swallowing it. The Fabergé egg pendant, valued at NZ$33,585 ($19,300; £14,600), has not yet been recovered, according to local police reports.

Authorities were called to Partridge Jewellers in central Auckland last Friday afternoon, where the 32-year-old suspect was arrested in the store minutes later. Following his arrest, he underwent a medical assessment and remains in custody, police confirmed.

The locket, known as the Octopussy egg, is adorned with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires. Its 18K gold interior features a miniature octopus. The piece was inspired by the 1983 James Bond film of the same name, which centers on a fictional Fabergé egg heist. Fabergé, a world-renowned jeweller founded in Russia over two centuries ago, is famous for creating exquisite eggs using precious metals and gems.

The suspect is scheduled to appear in court again on 8 December. Reports indicate that he faces additional charges, including allegedly stealing an iPad from the same jewellery store on 12 November and taking cat litter and flea control products worth NZ$100 from a private residence the following day.

Police and local authorities are continuing their investigation while the stolen Fabergé egg remains missing. The bizarre nature of the theft has captured attention across New Zealand, raising questions about store security and the extreme lengths some individuals will go to in committing theft.

As the story unfolds, court proceedings and police updates are expected to provide further clarity on the recovery of the stolen locket and the suspect’s criminal activities.