A priceless piece of art, a daring theft, and an unbelievable six-day wait – this is the story of a Fabergé pendant recovered in the most unexpected way. New Zealand police found themselves in an extraordinary situation after a man allegedly swallowed the $19,000 treasure during a brazen robbery.
The incident unfolded at Partridge Jewelers in Auckland on November 28th. The suspect, a 32-year-old man, was apprehended inside the store before he could escape with his ill-gotten gains. It quickly became apparent, however, that the stolen item wasn’t simply *on* his person – it was *inside* him.
Police determined the man had swallowed a limited-edition Fabergé pendant, modeled after a famous prop from the 1983 James Bond film "Octopussy." Only fifty of these exquisite pieces were ever created, making its recovery all the more crucial.
What followed was a remarkable period of constant surveillance. Authorities maintained a round-the-clock watch over the suspect, prioritizing his well-being while patiently awaiting the pendant’s natural return, opting to avoid any medical intervention.
The pendant itself is a miniature masterpiece. Crafted from 18-karat gold and adorned with 183 diamonds and two sapphires, it’s painted with vibrant green enamel. The locket opens to reveal an incredibly detailed, golden octopus, complete with diamond suckers and black diamond eyes.
The suspect, whose name has not been released, made a brief court appearance on November 29th, but did not enter a plea. He remained in custody, under constant observation, as the days ticked by and the world wondered how this unusual situation would resolve.
Finally, after six days, the unbelievable happened. The man passed the Fabergé pendant naturally while in custody, bringing the bizarre ordeal to a close. The pendant was recovered intact, a testament to its robust construction and a truly remarkable story.
He is scheduled to reappear in Auckland District Court on Monday, where he will finally face the charges related to the theft. The recovered pendant, a symbol of artistry and intrigue, is now back where it belongs, a captivating tale to be told for years to come.
