Shanghai teen sells mother's jewellery worth $140,000 for $8 to buy lip studs, earrings

A teenage girl in Shanghai shocked everyone after stealing and unknowingly selling her mother's jewellery, valued at one million yuan (approximately US$140,000), for a mere 60 yuan (US$8) to purchase lip studs and earrings.

The case came to light when the mother, surnamed Wang, found that her daughter, Li, had taken the valuable items from their home and sold them for a fraction of their worth. Alarmed by the loss, Wang promptly reported the matter to the Wanli police station under the Putuo Public Security Bureau, according to Shanghai Media Group.

Investigations revealed that Li, who was reportedly undergoing an "adolescent rebellion," had taken the jewellery to get some pocket money. A trending video online showcased the stolen items, which included jade bracelets, necklaces, and other precious gemstone pieces. Unaware of their true value, Li mistakenly believed the items were fake and sold them to a jade recycling shop at a local market.

"I had no idea why she wanted to sell it. She said she needed money that day. When I asked how much, she told me, '60 yuan.' I asked why, and she said, 'I saw someone with lip studs, and I thought they looked great. I wanted one too,'" Wang recounted to the police. "She said that the lip stud cost about 30 yuan, and they will give me another pair of earrings for 30 yuan, so 60 yuan total," she added.

Upon receiving the report, the police responded swiftly. They reviewed surveillance footage and coordinated with market management, successfully tracing and recovering the jewellery. "The shop owner was out that day, so we contacted them by phone and arranged for them to come to the police station for further coordination," said police officer Fan Gaojie.

The recovered items have since been returned to Wang.