New Zealand police said they recovered an egg pendant that a theft suspect allegedly swallowed.

Police in New Zealand have recovered a diamond-encrusted jewelry pendant after a theft suspect allegedly swallowed it.

A 32-year-old man was arrested on Nov. 28 after allegedly swallowing a Fabergé egg pendant while stealing it from a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand police confirmed in a statement to USA TODAY.

Six days later, on Thursday, Dec. 4, officials said they recovered the pendant — which is worth about $19,000 — without medical intervention after it "passed naturally," the statement said.

The suspect, who has not been identified by police, was arrested within minutes after swallowing the egg, the statement said.

Diamond egg theft suspect remains in custody

The suspect has been charged with theft, police said. He appeared in court on Nov. 29 and is expected to have another court appearance on Dec. 8 — until then, he will remain in police custody.

Officials said the man was medically evaluated after his arrest and an officer has 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,” the statement said.

Stolen egg pendant has ties to James Bond movie

According to Fabergé, the egg pendant is a limited-edition locket set with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires and a miniature 18-karat gold octopus inside.

The piece was inspired by the 1983 James Bond movie "Octopussy," which features a Fabergé egg.

"The exterior of the egg closely follows the design of the Fabergé 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," the company's website says.

Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fabergé egg retrieved 6 days after alleged thief swallowed it

Reporting by Melina Khan, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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