A limited-edition, $19,000 Fabergé pendant has been recovered by New Zealand authorities following an unprecedented six-day surveillance operation after a suspect ingested the high-value object during a theft in Auckland.

  • Item: Limited Edition ‘Octopussy’ Fabergé Egg Pendant
  • Value: $19,000 USD (33,000 NZD)
  • Materials: 18k Gold, Green Enamel, 183 Diamonds, 2 Sapphires
  • Origin: Partridge Jewelers, Auckland, New Zealand

An Object of Intense Desirability

The piece at the center of this unusual incident is one of only 50 examples created, inspired by the 1983 James Bond film “Octopussy.” Crafted from 18k gold and coated in a vibrant green enamel, the egg itself is set with 183 diamonds and two sapphires. Its design features a concealed surprise: the egg opens to reveal an 18k yellow gold octopus, its form detailed with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes. This level of intricate construction underscores the pendant’s substantial material and artistic value.

Market Implications: The Enduring Value of Tangible Assets

In a market increasingly focused on the discourse between lab-grown and natural gemstones, this event serves as a potent reminder of the magnetic appeal of tangible, master-crafted luxury goods. The pendant’s bizarre journey has now become part of its provenance, adding a layer of notoriety that could, paradoxically, enhance its value at future auctions. The incident reinforces a key 2025 trend: the collector’s desire for unique physical assets with a compelling narrative, which hold their value in even the most extreme circumstances.

A Case Study in Asset Protection

For US jewelers and investors, the Auckland recovery is more than a peculiar news item; it is a critical lesson in asset protection. The six-day wait highlights the extreme, unconventional measures that may be required to secure and reclaim high-value inventory. It affirms that the intrinsic material value of gold, diamonds, and sapphires makes even the most challenging recovery efforts financially justifiable. This case will undoubtedly be reviewed by security and insurance firms as a benchmark for risk assessment and the defensibility of precious assets in a retail environment.

Image Referance: https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/police-recover-stolen-swallowed-faberg-pendant-after-6-128126042