The ring will stay in the UK following a successful plea for worldwide donations
Pop star loses jewellery battle
Posted October 01, 2013 | By Emily Mobbs • Former Editor
A ring once belonging to author Jane Austen and recently purchased by
American singer Kelly Clarkson will remain in the UK following a
successful bid to keep it in the country.
As previously reported by Jeweller, the inaugural American Idol winner purchased at auction last year the turquoise and gold ring for more than £150,000 (A$258,000). Clarkson is said to have outbid the Jane Austen’s House Museum in Hampshire.
An export ban was then placed on the ring, expiring on 30 September, and alternative buyers were asked to match the price set by Clarkson. After worldwide donations, including one from the Jane Austen Society of Australia, enough money was raised and an offer has been accepted that will give the museum ownership of the ring.
It has reportedly been given until December to raise a further £49,000 (A$84,000).
Contributions to the Bring the Ring Home campaign also included one anonymous donation of £100,000 (A$172,000).
According to the BBC, Clarkson responded to the news by saying: "The ring is a beautiful national treasure and I am happy to know that so many Jane Austen fans will get to see it at Jane Austen's House Museum."
The museum already has a turquoise bracelet and a topaz cross once owned by the writer.
More reading:
Pop star in jewellery battle