A limited-edition Fabergé ‘Octopussy’ pendant, with a market value of $19,000, was recovered by New Zealand authorities following an unprecedented theft in which the suspect ingested the high-value asset to conceal it.
- Asset: Fabergé ‘Octopussy’ Locket Pendant
- Valuation: $19,000 USD (NZ$33,000)
- Materials: 18k Gold, Green Enamel, 183 Diamonds, 2 Sapphires
- Provenance: Limited Edition, 1 of 50 pieces globally
Asset Profile & Provenance
The piece at the center of the incident is a direct homage to the 1983 film “Octopussy,” one of only fifty ever produced. The design features a substantial 3.3-inch egg-shaped locket crafted from solid gold, finished with a deep green vitreous enamel. Its surface is intricately set with 183 brilliant-cut diamonds and two sapphires. The locket’s surprise is an 18k yellow gold octopus, its form detailed with white diamond suckers and black diamond eyes, demonstrating the complex internal mechanics for which the house is known. This level of artisanship speaks to the enduring collector demand for Fabergé’s narrative-driven creations.
The Impact on High-Value Retail
This extreme incident serves as a critical case study for US jewelers and asset managers. The theft and subsequent six-day recovery operation highlight the profound security challenges involved in retailing portable luxury goods. While the 2025 market is focused on lab-grown value and sculptural aesthetics, the insatiable demand for investment-grade legacy pieces with unique provenance continues to drive risk. This event underscores the necessity for advanced security protocols and comprehensive insurance policies that account for unconventional recovery scenarios, a vital consideration for any retailer managing inventory of this caliber.
Image Referance: https://www.newstribune.com/news/2025/dec/06/police-recover-swallowed-faberge-pendant-after/