In a bizarre twist of events, authorities in New Zealand have filed charges against a man accused of stealing a jewel-encrusted Fabergé egg locket by swallowing it. This unusual theft took place at a jewelry store in the heart of Auckland.

The incident unfolded on a Friday afternoon, prompting a quick response from local police. According to Inspector Grae Anderson, who oversees the Auckland Central Area Command, the jeweler’s staff alerted the police at approximately 3:30 p.m. Officers arrived at the scene within minutes, apprehending the suspect while he was still inside the store.

The Fabergé egg locket in question is not only a testament to exquisite craftsmanship but also hides a whimsical secret. True to the brand’s legacy, the locket opens to reveal a tiny 18k gold octopus, a nod to the creative spirit behind Fabergé’s renowned designs. The octopus is adorned with two striking black diamond eyes, adding to its allure.

Fabergé, a name synonymous with luxury and heritage, traces its roots back to 1842 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Over the years, it has become one of the most prestigious jewelry houses, known for its opulent creations and extraordinary attention to detail.

“The octopus has been set with two black diamond eyes,” it adds.

Fabergé is a historic jewellery house founded in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1842.

On Tuesday, one of 50 Imperial Eggs produced by Fabergé for Russian Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II sold for £22.9 million ($46.3 million), including fees, breaking its own record as the most expensive work by the Russian jeweller ever to appear at auction.

The Winter Egg’s astronomical price tag reflects the growing rarity of the eggs, none of which had been seen at auction in over 23 years.

It is one of just seven left in private hands, with the others either missing or owned by institutions or museums.