A man has been charged with theft after swallowing a Fabergé pendant with egg-shaped diamonds.
The necklace is valued at NZ$33,585 (US$19,300) and has not yet been recovered, the BBC reports.
Authorities were called to Partridge Jewelers in downtown Oakland last Friday afternoon and the 32-year-old was arrested inside the store minutes later.
He has undergone a medical examination and remains in custody.
The Fabergé locket that was reportedly stolen is set with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires, according to the jeweler’s website, and opens to reveal a mini octopus in 18-carat gold.
The history of jewelry
The ‘Octopussy’ egg, as it is called, was inspired by the 1983 James Bond film of the same name, which revolves around an elaborate heist of a Fabergé egg.
founded in Russia more than two centuries ago, became famous for its precious eggs made of precious stones and metals.
The suspect is expected to appear in court again on December 8. He also reportedly faces charges for stealing an iPad from the same jewelry store on Nov. 12.
