New Zealand Police announced on Friday that they successfully recovered a Fabergé pendant valued at $19,000 after monitoring a suspect for six days. The pendant, inspired by the James Bond film “Octopussy,” was retrieved after it passed through the man’s gastrointestinal tract without any medical assistance.
The incident took place at Partridge Jewelers in Auckland on November 28, 2023, when the 32-year-old man was arrested shortly after the alleged theft. He made a court appearance on November 29 but did not enter a plea for the theft charge. Since his arrest, he has remained in police custody, with officers keeping a constant watch on him to ensure the safe recovery of the stolen item.
According to police, the pendant was recovered on Thursday night. A less glamorous image shared by the New Zealand Police depicted a gloved hand holding the pendant, complete with its long gold chain and an intact price tag. The limited-edition pendant is one of only 50 manufactured and features intricate designs made from gold, green enamel, and encrusted with 183 diamonds and two sapphires.
Details of the Fabergé Pendant
The pendant stands at 3.3 inches tall and is mounted on a stand. When opened, it reveals an octopus made of 18-carat yellow gold, adorned with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes. This design pays homage to the film’s antagonist, further enhancing its collectible status.
Inspector Grae Anderson stated, “Given this man is in Police custody, we have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances of what has occurred.” The suspect is expected to appear in Auckland District Court on Monday, where further proceedings regarding the theft charge will take place.
The unique nature of the pendant, combined with its connection to the iconic James Bond franchise, adds a layer of intrigue to this unusual case. As the police continue their investigation, the retrieval of the pendant marks a successful conclusion to a rather bizarre chapter in the world of high-end jewelry theft.
