In a bizarre theft incident in New Zealand, a man was arrested for allegedly stealing a Fabergé egg locket by swallowing it. This unusual event took place at a jeweler’s in central Auckland on a Friday afternoon.
Details of the Theft Incident
According to Inspector Grae Anderson, the Auckland Central Area Commander, the police were notified around 3:30 p.m. local time. Officers arrived promptly, apprehending the 32-year-old suspect within minutes at the jewelry store.
The man has been charged with theft and is currently in custody, awaiting a court appearance scheduled for December 8. During his arrest, he underwent a medical evaluation to ensure his well-being, given the extraordinary circumstances of the theft. An officer is monitoring him constantly.
The Stolen Fabergé Egg
- Name: Fabergé James Bond Octopussy Egg locket
- Value: 33,585 New Zealand dollars (approximately $19,300)
- Materials: 18-karat yellow gold, green guilloché enamel
- Gemstones: 60 white diamonds, 15 blue sapphires
- Additional Feature: Contains a miniature 18k gold octopus inside, complete with black diamond eyes
The luxurious item is notable not only for its exquisite craftsmanship but also for its connection to the James Bond franchise. Unfortunately, the stolen pendant has not yet been recovered.
Background on Fabergé
Fabergé is a prestigious jewelry house that originated in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1842. It is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and unique designs, particularly the Imperial Eggs created for Russian royalty.
Recently, a Fabergé Imperial Egg sold for a staggering £22.9 million ($30.2 million) at auction, setting a new record for the jeweler. This sale underscores the increasing rarity and value of Fabergé creations.
