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Auckland Police Waited Six Days While Suspect Naturally Passed $19K Fabergé Pendant

05:02 PM, 12/08/2025
Auckland Police Waited Six Days While Suspect Naturally Passed $19K Fabergé Pendant

New Zealand police say they recovered a limited-edition Fabergé pendant valued at about $19,000 after a suspect allegedly swallowed it during a theft at Partridge Jewelers in Auckland on Nov. 28. Officers kept the 32-year-old man under continuous watch in custody for six days while waiting for the pendant to be passed naturally. The ornate locket—one of only 50—was described as 18-karat gold, set with 183 diamonds and two sapphires, and opens to reveal a gold octopus. The suspect appeared in court on Nov. 29 and remains in custody pending a further hearing.

New Zealand police recovered a rare, diamond-encrusted Fabergé pendant after a six-day, round-the-clock watch that ended when a 32-year-old suspect naturally passed the stolen piece while in custody, authorities say.

Officers allege the man swallowed the limited-edition pendant during a theft at Partridge Jewelers in downtown Auckland on Nov. 28. He was arrested inside the store before he could leave, and police concluded he had ingested the item.

Rather than seek immediate medical intervention, investigators kept the suspect under continuous observation in custody while waiting for the pendant to be expelled naturally. "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 said.

Details of the Pendant

The piece is modeled after the Fabergé egg seen in the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy. Partridge Jewelers says only 50 of this limited model were produced. The locket is crafted from 18-karat gold, painted with green enamel, set with 183 diamonds and two sapphires, and measures roughly 3.3 inches. The locket opens to reveal an 18ct yellow-gold octopus adorned with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes.

Police say the pendant was ultimately recovered after the suspect passed the item while still under supervision. The man appeared in court on Nov. 29 and did not enter a plea; he remains in custody and is due back in Auckland District Court on Monday.

Note: The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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