Police say the pendant has not yet been recovered. Photo: SCREENSHOT
Police have not yet recovered a Fabergé egg pendant after it was allegedly eaten during a theft at an Auckland jewellery store.
A 32-year-old man is before the courts, accused of swallowing the necklace worth more than $33,500.
Inspector Grae Anderson told RNZ the man underwent a medical assessment at the time of his arrest and an officer had been assigned to constantly monitor him.
"Given this man is in police custody, we have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances of what has occurred," he said.
Anderson said, at this stage, the pendant had not been recovered.
An online listing for the locket said it had been crafted from 18ct yellow gold and set with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires.
A golden octopus inside the locket was set with two black diamonds for eyes.
The man was expected to appear in Auckland District Court next week charged with theft.
Partridge Jewellers, where court documents list the item as being stolen from, is yet to respond to RNZ's request for comment.
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