New Zealand man accused of eating Faberge pendant inspired by James Bond

Police in New Zealand are monitoring a man accused of swallowing a $19,000 pendant with the intention of smuggling it out of a jewelry store. The 32-year-old allegedly ate the Faberge octopus pendant at Partridge Jewelers in Auckland on Nov. 28. Authorities said Wednesday that evidence of the theft has not yet emerged. The man was arrested inside the store minutes after the reported theft. He has appeared in court but has not entered a plea. The pendant was inspired by the 1983 James Bond film “Octopussy” with a plot involving jewel smuggling and a fake Fabergé egg. The piece in Auckland has is encrusted with 183 diamonds and two sapphires.