AceShowbiz -

Kelly Clarkson has bought a rare Jane Austen ring, but she couldn't bring it home. British government places a temporary hold on the item to prevent it from being taken out of the country. British Culture Minister Ed Vaisey hopes a local buyer will buy it from the American singer to keep the national treasure on the British soil.

"Jane Austen's modest lifestyle and her early death mean that objects associated with her of any kind are extremely rare," the minister tells BBC in a statement. "So I hope that a U.K. buyer comes forward so this simple but elegant ring can be saved for the nation."

The gold and turquoise ring is one of the three existing rings that once belonged to the famous novelist. The "Pride and Prejudice" author left it to her sister Cassandra in her will and remained in the family ever since. Clarkson purchased it for $228,000 at Sotheby's sale last year, along with a first edition of Austen's "Persuasion".

The temporary hold on the item will expire on September 30 but could be extended to December 30 if there is someone in the country that shows a "serious intention" to match Clarkson's winning bid. The singer reportedly agreed to sell the ring.