The Unbiased Post Logo
Monday 23/02/2026

New Zealand Man Charged with Theft After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg Pendant

Man accused of swallowing Fabergé egg pendant
Sofia RomanoSofia Romano

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • A New Zealand man has been charged with theft after allegedly swallowing a Fabergé egg pendant worth NZ$33,585.
  • The pendant, inspired by the James Bond film "Octopussy," remains unrecovered, and the suspect is in custody.
  • The man faces additional charges for allegedly stealing an iPad and other items from the same store and a private address.
  • Separately, a Fabergé Winter Egg sold for a record £22.9m at a London auction, highlighting the enduring value of Fabergé creations.
  • The suspect is scheduled to appear in court again on 8 December.

A New Zealand man has been charged with theft in a peculiar case involving a Fabergé egg pendant valued at NZ$33,585 (US$19,200). The incident occurred at Partridge Jewellers in central Auckland, where the 32-year-old suspect allegedly swallowed the diamond-studded locket inspired by the James Bond film "Octopussy." Police responded swiftly, arresting the man inside the store shortly after the incident.

The pendant, a Fabergé x 007 Special Edition Octopussy Egg Surprise Locket, is crafted from 18-karat yellow gold and adorned with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires. It opens to reveal a miniature 18k gold octopus with black diamond eyes. Despite its intricate design, the pendant has not been recovered, and the suspect remains in custody following a medical assessment.

Additional Charges and Court Appearance

In addition to the Fabergé egg theft, the man faces charges for allegedly stealing an iPad from the same jewellery store on 12 November. He is also accused of taking cat litter and flea control products worth NZ$100 from a private address the following day. The suspect is set to reappear in court on 8 December.

Fabergé's Enduring Legacy

In a separate event underscoring the value of Fabergé creations, a Fabergé Winter Egg sold for a record £22.9m (US$30.2m) at a London auction. Commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II in 1913, the egg is one of the jeweller's most exquisite works, featuring 4,500 diamonds and a design by Alma Theresia Pihl. This sale reaffirms the enduring allure of Fabergé's imperial eggs, with only seven of the original 50 made for the Romanov family remaining in private hands.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The upcoming court appearance on 8 December will be crucial in determining the legal consequences for the suspect in the Fabergé egg theft case. If convicted, the man could face significant penalties, given the high value of the stolen item and the additional charges. This case also highlights the challenges in recovering stolen high-value items, especially when unconventional methods are used in the theft.

Meanwhile, the record-breaking sale of the Fabergé Winter Egg at auction underscores the continued fascination and high market value of Fabergé creations. This could lead to increased interest and investment in similar historical artefacts, potentially driving up prices in future auctions. As Fabergé's legacy endures, collectors and institutions may become more vigilant in securing these precious items.

Images from the Web

Additional article image
Image Source: Fabergé
Additional article image
Image Source: Illustration: Fabergé