Singer Kelly Clarkson barred from taking home Jane Austen ring
The British government has stopped US singer Kelly Clarkson taking a ring once owned by author Jane Austen out of the country, a government minister said.
The British government has stopped US singer Kelly Clarkson taking a ring once owned by author Jane Austen out of the country, a government minister said.
Clarkson, who shot to fame as the winner of the TV talent contest in 2002, bought the gold and turquoise ring for more than £150,000 (HK$1.77 million) at an auction last year.
Jane Austen's modest lifestyle and her early death mean that objects associated with her of any kind are extremely rare. I hope that a UK buyer comes forward so this simple but elegant ring can be saved for the nation
But junior culture minister Ed Vaizey has barred temporarily the export of the ring in a bid to keep it in Britain.
It is one of only three surviving pieces of jewellery known to have belonged to the 19th century author.
"Jane Austen's modest lifestyle and her early death mean that objects associated with her of any kind are extremely rare," Vaizey said. "So I hope that a UK buyer comes forward so this simple but elegant ring can be saved for the nation."
The export bar will last until at least September 30, and can be extended until December 30 if a buyer in Britain shows "a serious intention to raise funds" to match the price Clarkson paid.
