From attempted theft to natural recovery: The remarkable story of a lost Fabergé pendant

New Zealand police have recovered a $19,000 Fabergé egg pendant nearly a week after a man allegedly swallowed it in an attempted jewellery heist, according to reports. Authorities confirmed on Friday that the luxury pendant was retrieved six days after a 32-year-old suspect was accused of stealing it from Partridge Jewellers in Auckland by swallowing the item inside the store on November 28.

Police said staff at the high-end CBD store alerted officers immediately, leading to the man’s arrest the same day. Investigators kept the suspect under close watch until the pendant was located.

A photograph released by police on Thursday night showed the recovered Fabergé egg pendant, complete with its price tag, being held in a gloved hand. The gold chain measures 20 inches and carries a listed value of more than NZ$33,000 (US$19,000).

In a statement, police said “no medical intervention was required, and the pendant passed naturally”.

The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, remains in custody ahead of his next appearance at the Auckland District Court on Monday. He did not enter a plea during his initial court appearance on Saturday and faces a charge of theft.

The rare Fabergé piece is crafted from 18-carat yellow gold and features 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires. Marketed as a limited-edition design, the pendant includes “subtle nods” to the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy, according to the luxury brand’s official description.

The bizarre attempted theft has drawn global attention due to the high value of the Fabergé pendant, the James Bond connection and the unusual method used to hide the jewellery.