Kelly Clarkson Denied From Buying Ring Once Owned by Jane Austen

Kelly Clarkson has been denied from keeping a ring once owned by author Jane Austen, after a British museum said on Monday it had raised enough money to buy it back, the Agence France-Presse news agency reports.

The American Idol winner, 31, bought the ring at an auction last year, but the British government prevented her from taking it out of Britain while attempts were made to raise enough money to "save it for the nation."

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Jane Austen's House Museum in Hampshire said Clarkson had accepted its offer of $253,300 for the piece of jewelry. The campaign to raise funds to buy back the ring began in August. Donations from fans of the Pride & Prejudice writer played a big part in buying back the ring, which is one of only three surviving pieces of jewelry known to have belonged to the celebrated author.

The ring is due to go on display at the museum earlier this year. "The museum has been stunned by the generosity and light-footedness of all those who have supported our campaign," museum curator Mary Guyatt said. "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."