Austen's gold ring headed to auction block Sketch of Jane Austen courtesy of Wikipedia. LONDON, July 6 (UPI) -- A turquoise and gold ring once owned by British literary icon Jane Austen is headed to the auction block, Sotheby's said. Included with the ring is a note sent by Austen's sister-in-law, Eleanor Austen, in November 1863, to Jane Austen's niece, Caroline Austen, the British newspaper The Guardian reported. "My dear Caroline," wrote Eleanor. The enclosed ring once belonged to your Aunt Jane. It was given to me by your Aunt Cassandra as soon as she knew that I was engaged to your uncle. I bequeath it to you. God bless you! Austen's descendants are selling the bauble, which is expected to fetch about $45,000, the newspaper said.