$33,000 pendant swallowed in Auckland jewellery heist ‘recovered’

The Fabergé locket was worth more than $33,500. Photo / Screenshot

By Finn Blackwell of RNZ

A Fabergé locket worth more than $33,500, swallowed by a man during an alleged theft at an Auckland jewellery store, has been “recovered”.

Police had been called at 3.30pm last Friday to the store in Auckland city where a man was accused of picking up a Fabergé James Bond Octopussy Egg pendant and swallowing it.

Court documents reveal the pendant was worth $33,585.

Inspector Grae Anderson told RNZ the man underwent a medical assessment at the time of his arrest and an officer had been assigned to constantly monitor him.

Police confirmed the item was back in their possession last night.

An online listing for the locket said it had been crafted from 18ct yellow gold and set with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires.

The recovered Fabergé locket. Photo / NZ Police

A golden octopus inside the locket was set with two black diamonds for eyes.

Police said the 32-year-old man who swallowed the pendant remained in custody and would appear in Auckland District Court next week.

In a statement released to RNZ, Partridge Jewellers confirmed the attempted theft took place at its Queen St store.

“The store management team responded immediately, and police were on site to detain the person in question within minutes.

“The safety of Partridge’s clients and staff is the highest priority, and the team is grateful for the police’s swift support in dealing with the situation, which is now in the hands of legal professionals.”

Partridge said the pendant would be returned to Fabergé.

– RNZ