Kelly Clarkson paid roughly $228,000 for a ring formerly belonging to Jane Austen and then Britain basically forbid her from taking it out of the country on cultural grounds and in hopes that someone else (read: someone British) to pledge the same amount and cancel her bid out. Now, an anonymous donor has come forward and bid £100,000 (about $78,000 short of Kelly’s buying price) to keep it in the country and she might lose it for good. What? Ugh.
From Digital Spy:
Culture minister Ed Vaizey placed a temporary hold on the item, which will keep it on British soil until September 30. This can be extended to December 30 if a new buyer comes forward and intends to match Clarkson’s winning bid.
The government is said to be satisfied that the Hampshire-based Jane Austen’s House Museum has shown “serious expression of interest to buy the ring” after receiving the £100,000 donation.
It now has until the December date to raise £52,450 and ensure the ring stays in the UK.
The museum tried to win the 19th century item at the original auction but was outbid by Clarkson.
Vaizey said: “Jane Austen’s modest lifestyle and her early death mean that objects associated with her of any kind are extremely rare.
“So I hope that a UK buyer comes forward so this simple but elegant ring can be saved for the nation.”
Again, why the hell not put a stipulation on the initial auction saying that it’s only open to UK buyers? Why the hell does it even matter? These seem like pretty extreme lengths to go to for a single ring – especially considering there are much more important artifacts on the go.