Man Swallows $19,000 James Bond Faberge Egg: Police Monitor Recovery in Unusual Jewelry Theft Case

A New Zealand man has been charged with theft after allegedly swallowing a rare Faberge egg pendant inspired by the James Bond film Octopussy. The theft occurred at Partridge Jewelers on November 28, when the 32-year-old suspect reportedly picked up the luxurious pendant and swallowed it whole.

This remarkable piece is part of the exclusive Faberge x 007 Octopussy collection, with only 50 such pendants manufactured worldwide, according to Euro News. Court documents reveal the pendant's value at approximately 33,585 New Zealand dollars (equivalent to $19,000 USD).

The exquisite pendant features gold construction with green enamel and is adorned with 183 diamonds and two sapphires. Its interior conceals a small yellow-gold octopus with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes, directly referencing the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy, which centered around a fake Fabergé egg involved in a jewel-smuggling operation.

According to the product description, "The egg opens to reveal an 18ct yellow gold octopus nestled inside, adorned with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes. The octopus surprise pays homage to the eponymous antagonist at the centre of the Octopussy film."

Authorities apprehended the suspect inside the store shortly after the alleged theft. Law enforcement is currently monitoring the man while waiting for the pendant to be recovered through natural processes.

Inspector Grae Anderson stated, "At the time of his arrest he underwent a medical assessment, and an officer is assigned to constantly monitor the man. At this stage the pendant has not been recovered." He further added, "Given this man is in police custody, we have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances of what has occurred."

The suspect appeared in Auckland District Court on November 29 facing a theft charge but has not yet entered a plea. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 8.

This incident is not unprecedented in the world of jewelry theft. A similar case involved Jaythan Gilder, 32, who was arrested in Florida for stealing diamond earrings valued at $769,500 from Tiffany & Co. Gilder, who had posed as a representative of a professional basketball player, swallowed the jewelry during his arrest. Authorities monitored him for over 12 days before the earrings were recovered and returned to the store.

Gilder had a history of similar crimes, having been previously charged with robbery in Texas in 2022 and having 48 outstanding warrants in Colorado. He faced charges of grand theft and robbery with a mask.

Europe has experienced an increase in high-value jewelry thefts in 2025. In October, thieves managed to steal 88 million Euros worth of French crown jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris during a bold daylight raid.