Kelly Clarkson's Past Purchase Controversy: A Ring Banned from Export
The singer's recent dispute at a New York shop echoes a 2012 incident where a valuable ring she purchased was placed under an export ban.
Kelly Clarkson is currently involved in a public disagreement with a New York curiosity shop, a situation that brings to mind a past controversy involving a significant purchase and the UK government. In 2012, the singer acquired a ring once belonging to Jane Austen for £152,450.
Clarkson, a self-proclaimed admirer of Austen, spotted the gold and turquoise ring at a Sotheby's London auction. She successfully bid on the item, surpassing eight other bidders and paying five times its estimated value. However, before she could transport the ring to the United States, the UK's then-culture minister, Ed Vaizey, imposed a temporary export ban. This designation meant the ring's fate would be determined by Arts Council England, which regulates the export of items deemed national treasures.
The export ban provided an opportunity for Jane Austen's House Museum in Chawton, Hampshire, to rally support. The museum launched a 'Bring the Ring Home' campaign, which garnered donations from around the world, including a substantial anonymous contribution of £100,000. These funds allowed the museum to secure the ring, which is now on display alongside the only two other known pieces of jewelry that belonged to Austen. Clarkson, who received a replica of the ring, expressed her contentment at the time, stating she was pleased that the ring would be accessible to Jane Austen fans and acknowledging it as a "beautiful national treasure."
This incident with the Austen ring resurfaces as Clarkson recently shared her negative experience at the Art of Play boutique in Brooklyn. She claimed on social media that a staff member treated her dismissively, as if she were unable to afford the store's products. Clarkson likened the encounter to a scene from the film "Pretty Woman," where the protagonist is scorned by a high-end retailer. The singer stated she was told the employee could find something "comparable for me," which she interpreted as an insult. The store has since released security footage showing Clarkson's visit, during which she browsed items and interacted with a shopkeeper before leaving. The store owner, Adam Rubin, stated that the item Clarkson inquired about, a mechanical singing bird named Molly, was a store mascot permanently attached to the wall and not for sale. He also mentioned he was recovering from skin cancer surgery and had to address the situation at his store.