Kelly Clarkson gives up Jane Austen's ring

LONDON. September 24. KAZINFORM American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson's attempt to buy a gold and turquoise ring that once belonged to the English novelist has been thwarted by Jane Austen's House Museum in Chawton, Hampshire. The museum has raised enough cash to buy the ring and save it for the public in the UK, Guardian reported.

Clarkson bought the ring at an auction at Sotheby's in 2012, but she was unable to take it out of the UK. A temporary export ban provided the museum with the time to raise money. After beginning a fundraising appeal in August, the museum received a donation of £100,000 from an unnamed benefactor. Austen fans around the world chipped in donations, which enabled the museum to reach its target of £152,450 and match Clarkson's bid ahead of the 30 September deadline.

Mary Guyatt, curator of Jane Austen's House Museum, said: "We have been stunned by the generosity and light-footedness of all those who have supported our campaign to meet the costs of acquiring Jane Austen's ring for our permanent collection. Visitors come from all around the world to see the house where she once lived, and we will now take great pleasure in displaying this pretty ring for their appreciation."

Culture minister Ed Vaizey, who imposed the temporary export ban, said: "The export licensing system provides us with a 'last chance' to save treasures like these for the nation so they can be enjoyed by all of us. It's clear from the number of people who gave generously to the campaign just how admired Jane Austen remains to this day."

Kelly Clarkson took the news well. "The ring is a beautiful national treasure," she said on hearing about the successful bid, "and I am happy to know that so many Jane Austen fans will get to see it."