A 32-year-old Auckland man faces multiple charges, including theft, after allegedly consuming a high-value designer pendant inside a central city jewelry boutique. The incident revolves around an unrecovered Fabergé x 007 Special Edition Octopussy Egg Surprise Locket, valued at NZ$33,585 (approximately US$19,200), which authorities claim the man ingested while in the store.
The unusual theft unfolded on a Friday afternoon at Partridge Jewellers in central Auckland. Store staff contacted police immediately after witnessing a customer pick up the precious ornament and reportedly swallow it. Central area commander Grae Anderson confirmed that officers from the city beat team arrived swiftly, apprehending the suspect on the premises shortly after the alleged act occurred.
The man was formally charged on November 29 for the theft of the unique Fabergé locket. Crafted by the renowned jeweler, famous for its opulent Imperial Eggs, the specific pendant is a luxury collector’s item created in partnership with the James Bond franchise.
Anatomy of an Unrecovered Treasure
The missing item is described by Fabergé as a meticulously crafted piece of wearable art. The locket features 18-karat yellow gold finished with rich green guilloché enamel. The exterior of the egg-shaped pendant is meticulously set with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires.
In true Fabergé tradition, the locket contains a signature “surprise” within: a miniature 18-karat gold octopus complete with detailing, including black diamond eyes. Due to its status as unrecovered evidence, police have stated they cannot release official images of the pendant.
Broader Legal Implications
The legal complications for the accused extend beyond the high-stakes jewelry theft. Charge sheets confirm the man faces two additional theft allegations dating back to early November. On November 12, he is also accused of stealing an iPad from the very same Partridge Jewellers location.
The following day, he allegedly committed another theft, this time involving cat litter and flea treatment valued at NZ$100, taken from a private residence.
The combination of the alleged acts—ranging from sophisticated theft of luxury goods to misdemeanor shoplifting—highlight a complex case for prosecutors. The accused has been remanded in custody following his arrest. He is scheduled to reappear in the district court on December 8, where the legal proceedings concerning these unusual and diverse charges are set to continue.
The case has captured public attention not only for the high-end nature of the stolen Octopussy locket but also for the highly unusual method of its alleged removal. The unique circumstances surrounding the consumption of a high-value piece of jewelry present novel challenges regarding its recovery and potential preservation as evidence.