Jane Austen's Ring: Should It Stay Here?

[ChillDoubt]

And if so, who will buy it?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-23531601

Whilst I agree the ring ought to stay here due to its heritage and cultural significance, why is the Culture Secretary asking for buyers to come forward?
Can't it be bought with funds from the culture budget?

And what Ms Clarkson wants with it is beyond me, but hey-ho.

[douglas9401]

Perhaps it could be bought bit by bit by the cabinet, ringpieces if you will.

[Sharingan]

I really don't think it matters, nor do I think it's of any cultural significance. Maybe Kelly Clarkson is a Jane Austin fan, who knows, if so it would be nice to be housed with her, if not she's probably just got a quirky eye for a good investment.

[andres]

If Ms Clarkson bought it at auction she should be able to do what she wants with it .

[Mass_Hysteria]

It's a nice ring, if she wants it (she owns it) let her have it.

[ChillDoubt]

I really don't think it matters, nor do I think it's of any cultural significance.
------------------------------
Given the furore and fallout over the recent decision to rightly have her portrayed on UK banknotes, IMHO it certainly is of cultural significance, but we'll have to agree to disagree.

[Gromit]

Jane Austen was the J K Rawling of her day. Her ring is a piece of junk and we should not waste any tax payers money trying to retain it. If it was a manuscript or correspondence then I could see a case for keeping it. But it is just a bit of decoration she had and of no cultural relevance to the country other than it was a bit of tat she owned.

[Answerprancer]

"Jane Austen's Ring" ... tee hee hee hee :-)

[ChillDoubt]

Hmm, £150,000 ring described as a 'national treasure' that passed through her family is deemed tat/junk.

I despair.

At this rate, we'll have less culture than the Yanks!

[Baldric]

I'm sure there are better ways to spend 150000k

[Gromit]

Robkep

// you seem so keen to junk British History whenever you get the chance. //

please supply a link to just one post of mine that junks British History, or withdraw or apologise for that false statement.

// I'd like like to ask why you do this. //

I don't. Supply one link to prove me wrong or shut up.

[Gromit]

Chilldout.

Why is a ring worth saving? Her work certainly is worth keeping in the country, but why is a bit of jewellry? Is it not up there with Samuel Pepys' shaving mirror or Charles Dickens' toothbrush as a bit of everyday ephemera?

[Gromit]

Robkep

That is not good enough.

I have no more influence here any more than anyone else.

You have made an allegation, back it up or withdraw it.

[Gromit]

Repkop,

I cannot suspend you.
But I am guessing I will have a long wait for an apology, so good night and keep taking the pills.
But not too many.

[ChillDoubt]

Gromit,

I doubt Charles Dickens toothbrush was passed down through his family nor would it sell for £150,000+, so your analogy is pretty p!ss-poor TBH.
We're talking about the culture of a nation, which is why I wouldn't expect you to care nor understand.

And it's:

ChillDoubt
Rowling
and jewellery.