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No yolk: police 'recover' Faberge egg swallowed by thief / Photo: © NEW ZEALAND POLICE/AFP
NYSE - LSE
No yolk: police 'recover' Faberge egg swallowed by thief
New Zealand police have recovered a diamond-encrusted green Faberge egg after keeping a six-day watch over the thief accused of swallowing it.
The 32-year-old allegedly gulped down the egg late last week from a store in the country's largest city, Auckland, but was arrested before he could flee.
"Police can confirm the pendant was recovered," they said in a statement Friday.
"It is now in police custody."
Police had assigned an officer to watch over the man while waiting for nature to deliver the trinket -- valued at around US$20,000.
The special edition locket was inspired by the James Bond film "Octopussy", which revolves around a plot to steal a rare Faberge egg.
"The exterior of the egg closely follows the design of the Faberge egg featured in the film Octopussy, with a beautiful 18k gold lattice framework which is delicately set with blue sapphires and white diamonds in a floral-like design," reads an online description.
A small golden octopus is nestled inside.
Russia's House of Faberge gained international fame in the late 19th century by designing opulent Easter eggs decorated with gold and precious gems.
P. Hansen--BTZ
