Tourist fainted in shock after breaking a N14m jade bracelet

The Story

A tourist fainted in horror after breaking an expensively priced 300,000 yuan (US$44,110) jade bracelet.

Where?

In a jade market in Ruili city, in south-western China’s Yunnan province.

What happened?

The woman was reportedly trying on the pricey jade bangle when she decided to inquire about its price. After she found out about the bracelet’s astronomical tag, she hastily attempted to take it off. Unfortunately, she dropped the bangle on the floor in the process, causing it to snap into two pieces. Shop staff reportedly tried to calm the woman following the incident, but she became so distraught she eventually fainted into the arms of fellow customers according to multiple news outlets.

The woman was taken to the hospital where she recovered. “She fainted because of the shock, but fortunately she is fine after having emergency treatment in hospital”, said Lin Wei, one of the shop’s owners.

According to South China Morning Post, shop owners tried to negotiate a compensation based on her financial situation and police was not involved in the negotiation. A third-party jeweller appraised the broken accessory at 180,000 yuan, but the woman’s family offered to pay back 70,000 yuan. The two sides have reportedly not yet agreed on compensation.

Verdict

We are not told how the lady came to have the bracelet in the first place, whether it was given to her by a member of staff or whether she picked it up by herself. Neither are we privy to what the shop’s policy was regarding customers’ handling of pieces of jewellery nor whether such was communicated to the lady. Moreover, accidents happen, which is why insurance businesses are in business. A case of pennywise, pound foolish? The woman though, could have been more careful.