CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistCrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé Pendant
The special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
Police recovered this Fabergé pendant after a New Zealand man allegedly swallowed it in an Auckland jewelry store. (Photo courtesy of New Zealand police)
Auckland—A New Zealand man has reportedly pleaded not guilty to a number of charges after allegedly swallowing a special-edition Fabergé pendant in an Auckland jewelry store.
On the afternoon of Nov. 28, police were called to Partridge Jewellers after the 32-year-old picked up the pendant, put it in his mouth, and then swallowed it, according to a statement Inspector Grae Anderson, Auckland Central Area commander, shared with National Jeweler.
The suspect also ingested the pendant’s approximately 20-inch 18-karat gold chain with the tag attached.
Auckland police responded within minutes and arrested the man.
The pendant emerged on Dec. 4 following a six-day wait, according to New Zealand Police.
At a court appearance on Dec. 8, the man, whose name has not been shared, entered a plea of not guilty in the case, as per a local report.
His next appearance in Auckland District Court is set for Feb. 17, police said.
Related stories will be right here …
On the afternoon of Nov. 28, police were called to Partridge Jewellers after the 32-year-old picked up the pendant, put it in his mouth, and then swallowed it, according to a statement Inspector Grae Anderson, Auckland Central Area commander, shared with National Jeweler.
The suspect also ingested the pendant’s approximately 20-inch 18-karat gold chain with the tag attached.
Auckland police responded within minutes and arrested the man.
The pendant emerged on Dec. 4 following a six-day wait, according to New Zealand Police.
At a court appearance on Dec. 8, the man, whose name has not been shared, entered a plea of not guilty in the case, as per a local report.
His next appearance in Auckland District Court is set for Feb. 17, police said.
The necklace he swallowed was a “Fabergé x 007 Octopussy Egg Surprise” locket.
It’s listed as retailing for $16,500 on the Fabergé website, though news reports put the locket’s value at 33,585 New Zealand dollars, or about $19,400.
The piece is crafted in 18-karat yellow gold with green guilloché enamel, set with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires, suspended on a yellow gold chain.
The egg opens to reveal a golden octopus inside with two black diamond eyes.
The piece was inspired by the 1983 film “Octopussy” in which James Bond must solve the murder of a spy found dead in East Germany clutching a fake Fabergé egg that’s similar to the one created for the limited-edition necklace.
In a statement to local news, Partridge Jewellers said the recovered necklace will be returned to Fabergé.
A similar steal-and-swallow crime took place earlier this year in the United States.
In March, a man in Florida allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando and then ate it during a traffic stop.
The two pairs of earrings were later recovered.
More on Crime
The Latest
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
