'Catch My Breath' hitmaker Kelly Clarkson purchased a ring once owned by writer Jane Austen at an auction, but she is now being stopped from taking it back to America with her.

She purchased the unique piece of jewellery for the rather large sum of £152,450, which was more than five times its sale estimate, although she's having trouble removing it from England's grasp.

Culture minister Ed Vaizey has put a temporary export ban on the stunning piece in order to prevent it from leaving Britain because it's part of the country's literary heritage and he explained in a statement that the ring should remain here:

"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."

The decision on the export licence will be deferred until September 30 and it could potentially be delayed until December 30 if a UK buyer comes forward and could pay more than Clarkson's price.