A New Zealand thief with a taste for the extravagant has been arrested after snatching and swallowing a diamond-encrusted green Faberge egg from a luxury jewellery store in Auckland.
The 32-year-old reportedly gulped down the ornate egg late last week, but police intercepted him before he could flee the scene. Authorities have yet to recover the precious item, valued at approximately US$20,000, and have assigned an officer to monitor the suspect while awaiting natural recovery.
“At this stage, the pendant has not been recovered,” police said in a statement.
The special edition locket is inspired by the James Bond film “Octopussy”, which centers on the theft of a rare Faberge egg. According to the product description, the egg features a delicate 18k gold lattice set with blue sapphires and white diamonds, arranged in a floral design, with a small golden octopus nestled inside.
The House of Faberge, based in Russia, rose to international prominence in the late 19th century for creating opulent Easter eggs decorated with gold and precious gems, cementing their status as symbols of luxury and craftsmanship.
