Jane Austen Ring

Culture tsar Ed Vaizey has slapped a temporary export ban on this rare turquoise-and-gold ring, one of only three pieces of jewellery known to have belonged to Jane Austen. It was bought at auction last year by US singer Kelly Clarkson for £152,450. Ed says he wants this "national treasure" to be saved for the nation and invites UK buyers to come up with the readies by 30 September (CLICK). Yet again Ed proves that he and Arts Council England are more interested in the previous owner than in the quality of the art. I'd let Kelly Clarkson have it. Let's see if those feminists who besieged the Bank of England demanding a woman on the new £10 note (CLICK) will put their money where their mouths are.