The father of so-called “fabulous fakes,” Kenneth Jay Lane was a spirited innovator within the jewelry industry, designing elegant and luxurious pieces without the use of real jewels. And while Lane aspired to create classic designs for earrings, bracelets and necklaces intended for everyday wear, his pieces caught the attention of celebrities, royalty and socialites.
From a young age, the Detroit, Michigan-born Lane was a lover of fashion. He studied at the Rhode Island School of Design and the University of Michigan. He pursued a design career in New York City, and a failed start in the art department of Vogue magazine led to a decade of designing shoes for the likes of Delman and Christian Dior.
Lane would occasionally develop shoe designs for friends he had in the fashion world such as Bill Blass and Arnold Scaasi. A show for the latter afforded him the opportunity to beautify shoes with rhinestones and create bangles and earrings to pair with the footwear — he found plastic bracelets at discount variety store and had them embellished by craftspeople at a shoe factory.
A love for costume jewelry design emerged thereafter. Lane created his own collection and admirers such as Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor showered him with praise. A pearl necklace he designed was worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. In the early 1960s, ready-to-wear pioneer Hattie Carnegie purchased Lane’s jewelry line. Lane was given the position of design director for Carnegie but he soon changed course, moving instead into a small studio and pursuing his own path.
Lane worked with milk glass, gilded silver hardware, faux coral and other materials, and sold pendant necklaces, dangle earrings and modern bracelets to private customers. He was fond of renowned fine jewelry houses Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels and designers such as Jean Schlumberger, and cited having found inspiration in Egyptian and Indian jewelry over the years as well as Art Deco jewelry. Lane’s designs, which he called “faque” and “junque,” became well-known for their distinctive color combinations and clever characteristics such as embroidery. By the time he purchased a small jewelry factory in Providence, Rhode Island, where his accessories would be made during the 1960s, Lane had secured relationships with top Manhattan boutiques and his work had caught the attention of fashion magazines.
Directed by the filmmaker Gisèle Roman, a 2018 documentary about Lane’s life and work called Fabulously Fake: The Real Life of Kenneth Jay Lane features interviews with legendary fashion designers Carolina Herrera, Tory Burch and Diane von Furstenberg.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Kenneth Jay Lane brooches, rings and other accessories.
KENNETH LANE signed vintage glass pearls jewel massive beaded designer necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KENNETH LANE • gold tone with glass beads • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear S...
Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane (KJL) Lilac Pansy Panel Collar 1980s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A beautiful delicate Vintage KJL Floral Collar with adorable pansies. The pansy symbolises the love or admiration of one person for another, the word pansy taken from the French verb...
$172Sale Price|50% Off
KENNETH JAY LANE KJL signed vintage pastel enamel rhinestone butterfly brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KENNETH JAY LANE KJL • gold tone with enamel and rhinestones • vintage designer brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal...
Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane Deco Brooch 1970s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A 1970s Vintage Kenneth Lane Deco Brooch. Kenneth Jay Lane built his reputation on confidence. From the 1960s onwards his pieces were worn by royalty, actresses and women who underst...
$196Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Designer Gold Swarovski Crystal Starburst Drop Post Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Kenneth Jay Lane 18K gold plated mixed metals clear Swarovski crystal double starburst drop earrings from 2012. Luxury designer jewelry statement pieces Made in USA. These striking ...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass, Mixed Metal
Early Kenneth Jay Lane Cowrie Shell Pendant
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Early, Massive Kenneth Jay Lane Cowrie Shell Pendant Necklace from the 1960's. Huge shell mounted in signature K.J.L. coral branch gilt mounts on chain. 1960's USA. DOMESTIC SALES ONLY
Gilt Metal
CZ by Kenneth Jay Lane Pave Flower Crystal Silver Dangle Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Add a touch of dazzling elegance to your jewelry collection with the Kenneth Jay Lane pave clear cubic zirconia crystal dangle floral earrings...
Crystal
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Green Cabochon White Cuff Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Kenneth Jay Lane cuff bracelet. White enamel and 22KT gold plated. Green resin cabochon centerpiece accented with faux emerald, lapis lazuli, and clear crystals. ... Measurements: ...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
$332Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold and Crystal Hinge Collar Necklace in Black Enamel, KJL
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Elegant spring-hinge golden collar necklace painted in black enamel and accented with two large crystals. By Kenneth Jay Lane. Old-new stock from earlier KJL collections. Wonderfull...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Lapis Lazuli and Coral Art Deco Dangling Clip On Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Stylish art deco-style earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane. Each earring features a faux lapis lazuli and coral cabochon, accented with crystals. All set in gold-plated metal. Hallmarks: K...
Gold Plate
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Chain Link Five Charm Bracelet, with Toggle Clasp, in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A gold-plated chain bracelet with five charms - a pair of lucky dice, cherub, an angel, a pair of shoes, and a swan. Accented with crystals and enamel, fastened with a toggle clasp. ...
Crystal, Gold Plate
$280Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Green Jade Chunky Deco Bangle Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Art deco style asymmetrical style bangle bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane in luxurious faux jade. Inner circumference: 7.75 inches Inner diameter at widest part: 2.75 inches Marks / h...
$132Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Crystal Own Pin Brooch, Blue Jelly Belly Cabochon
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Wisdom of the owl and the glamour of Kenneth Jay Lane! A golden owl pin with a carved dark blue cabochon belly and mesmerizing green crystal eyes, accented with clear crystals. Gold...
Crystal
Kenneth Jay Lane Jeweled Shell Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Large and rare Kenneth Jay Lane Jeweled Shell Brooch from the 1960's in the Verdura style. Although unsigned, he was known for making these prototype pieces before later casting the...
Gilt Metal
$236Sale Price|37% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Pave Crystal Raised Motif Bangle Bracelet Leopard Pattern
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane in an exotic leopard pattern. Features raised gold-plated motifs accented with colorful crystals. Height: 1.6 cm / 0.6 in D...
Crystal, Gold Plate
$276Sale Price|20% Off
KJLK Kenneth Jay Lane Floral Gold Crystal and Faux Pearl Leaf Link Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A stylish floral themed bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane. This link bracelet features flowing, gold-tone leaf and branch motifs, accented with glass pearls and clear crystals. Hallmark...
Crystal
Kenneth Jay Lane Silver Polished Cocktail Statement Ring, KJL, Contemporary
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A flashy, polished silver, statement ring. Add a perfect touch of silver glow with this ring from Kenneth Jay Lane! Silvertone. Adjustable sizes 5 to 8.5 Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: ...
Silver
Kenneth Jay Lane Antique Gold Plate Swarovski Crystal Merman Mythology Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Kenneth Jay Lane antique gold Swarovski crystal mythological merman necklace features octagonal ruby crystal centerpiece with baroque pearl drops. Luxury designer jewelry for collect...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass, Mixed Metal
$288Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Multi Strand Collar Necklace in Gold, Faux Pearls
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
An extravagant collar necklace from Kenneth Jay Lane! Features strands of faux pearl, mother of pearl, and lapis lazuli beads on gold link chains. Hallmarks: Kenneth Lane Length o...
Gold Plate
Kenneth J Lane KJL Yellow Star Cocktail Ring, Enamel & Crystals Gold Tone Sz 4-8
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Add a splash of sunshine to your ensemble with this Kenneth Jay Lane cocktail ring. This vibrant piece boasts a radiant yellow enamel setting, adorned with gold star accents that eac...
Crystal, Enamel
A 2000s Black Enamel Brass and Rhinestone Bangle Bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Glamorous 2000s Kenneth Jay Lane Black Enamel & Rhinestone Bangle Bracelet An iconic statement piece by the "King of Costume Jewelry," Kenneth Jay Lane (KJL). This striking, vint...
Brass, Enamel
Kenneth Jay Lane Pearl Necklace with Large Pearl and Rhinestone Embellishment
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Stunning and impossible to find Kennth Jay Lane seed pearl necklace with the most amazing faux baroque pearl clasp framed in gold plate and rhinestones. Can be worn in the front or back, depending on the dress. Does not get more chic than this. This necklace was from the Kenneth Lane Collection...
Kenneth Jay Lane Tiger Choker Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our Kenneth Jay Lane Tiger choker creates such a buzz, especially when paired with a simple black dress or blazer.It can be the anchor any outfit or be a welcoming addition to an ext...
Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Rare Statement Flawed Sapphire Glass Earrings 1980s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Wilmslow, GB
An outstanding pair of vintage KJL Sapphire earrings oozing glamour and style. Featuring a wonderfully designed crimped gold mount of statement proportion. Set to perfection with exq...
Kenneth Lane Gilt Leaf Pendant Necklace circa 1990s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in University City, MO
Kenneth Lane Dramatic gilt leaf pendant necklace The unique necklace is designed with a large scale gilt matte metal stylized leaf The luminous gilt metal leaf pendant is suspended...
Base Metal, Gilt Metal
$119Sale Price|20% Off
Puffy Quilted Two Tone Rectangular Earrings By Kenneth Jay Lane, 1980s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in McKinney, TX
Iconic and effortlessly chic, these 1980s Kenneth Jay Lane earrings are the epitome of statement sophistication. Featuring quilted silver resin wrapped in crisscrossing gold rope det...
$448Sale Price / item|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal Maltese Cross, White Enamel Hinged Cuff Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane. Painted white enamel, with a stylized maltese cross motif in gold. The centerpiece features a single teal-green resin cabochon, surrounded by clear cr...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane Turtle Cuff Links
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane Turtle Cuff Links are a delightful and whimsical piece of jewelry, showcasing the bold and artistic design that Kenneth Jay Lane is known for. As a vintage...
Gold Plate
$632Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Tutti Frutti Art Deco Fruit Pin Brooch with Clear Crystals, Rhodium
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Colorful tutti-frutti style art deco brooch by Kenneth Lane. Features bright green and red flower and leaf motifs accented with clear crystals and black enamel. Rhodium-plated metal ...
Crystal
Kenneth Lane Long Pearl Necklace with Goldtone Balls
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Alford, MA
Kenneth Lane c.1990s long, single strand of pearls interspersed with 6 goldtone sputnik-like spheres in goldtone metal, spaced between invervals of 13 pearls at center and 8 pearls o...
Pearl
$360Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Blush Purple Enamel Ornate Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Stylish Kenneth Jay Lane bracelet, featuring an intricate raised-motif design painted with blush purple enamel on gold plated metal. Hallmarks: Kenneth Lane, Made in USA Inner circ...
Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Flower Faux Pearl Cocktail Ring, Salmon Coral Enamel, KJL
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Floral elegance by Kenneth Jay Lane! A cocktail ring featuring a flower, painted in salmon coral enamel and accented with a single faux pearl. Adjustable sizes 4.5 to 8 US Gold pla...
Pearl, 22k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Kenneth Jay Lane "Limited Edition" Green Enamel Multi-Frogs Link Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane's "Limited Edition", wonderfully huge and impressive whimsical multi-frogs set with multi-hues of greens accented with polished gilded gold vermei...
Vintage KJL Kenneth Jay Lane signed gold rhinestone seashell designer brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KJL • gold tone with rhinestones • vintage designer brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 50 ❤️❤️ VI...
Kenneth Jay Lane Ethnic Inspired Cuff
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane Ethnic inspired patinaed gilt cuff with clamp hinged closure. Dimensional swirl design looks incredibly sculptural and modern when worn. It can be worn in different ...
Gilt Metal
$132Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Pave Crystal Conch Shell Nautical Pin Brooch, Modern
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
More beautiful than the oceans! A golden conch pin brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane covered with sparkling clear pave crystals. Gold plated. Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: KJL, Made in USA
Crystal
Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal Paste and Amythest Cabochon Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Large, early Kenneth Jay Lane earrings of faux amythest cabochons surrounded by crystal pastes. Large and striking in scale, further embellished with fr...
Gilt Metal
Kenneth Jay Lane Turquoise Multi Strand Necklace Button Clasp Couture Collection
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
From Kenneth Jay Lane's Couture Collection. Make a bold statement with the KJL faux turquoise bead multi strand necklace. This luxurious piece features 38 strands of vibrant turquoi...
$525Sale Price|30% Off
Kenneth Lane Pearl and Rhinestone Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Stunning Kenneth J. Lane pearl collar necklace featuring clear rhinestones in a silver-tone setting. I believe this is part of his "Let Them Eat Cake " line. Signed, "Kenneth Lane."...
Pearl
Kenneth Lane Rare Vivid Whimsical Green Enamel with Red Accent "Frog" Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Lane rare wonderfully vivid whimsical gilded gold vermeil hardware with Irish-Green overlay enamel accented with ruby-like eyes. Surrounding the eyes are micro studs. ...
$196Sale Price|26% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Crystal Starburst Post Earrings Austrian Crystal Statement
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Kenneth Jay Lane gold crystal starburst earrings with Austrian crystal pavé setting. Luxury designer jewelry. Bold statement pieces. Made in USA. These striking Kenneth Jay Lane sta...
Crystal, Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Mixed Metal
Keneth Jay Lane K.J.L. 1960s "Treasures of the Duchess" Emerald Green Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane's "Treasure of the Duchess" necklace in emeral green crystal from the 1960s. Originally produced in 1965 in various colors of all red and the more common light blue ...
Crystal, Brass
$870 / item
Kenneth Jay Lane Grey Pearl Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Kenneth Jay Lane Grey Pearl Necklace — Iconic Signed KJL Statement Strand, Gunmetal Luster, Vintage Couture Jewelry A sophisticated and instan...
Crystal, Pearl
KENNETH LANE signed vintage massive amber resin beaded designer necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KENNETH LANE • gold tone with resin beads • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear S...
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Pegasus Brooch, Pin in Gold Black and Gray
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A bold and stylish pegasus pin by Kenneth Jay Lane! Features a painted dark gray horse with golden wings, accented with pave crystals and a centerpiece black cabochon. Hallmarks: Ke...
Crystal, Gold Plate
$280Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Art Deco Faux Jade Jeweled Leopard Cat Pin Brooch, Modern
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
An art deco inspired pin brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane. Features a jeweled leopard cat decorated with clear, black, and red crystals in a round faux-jade frame. Hallmarks: Kenneth © La...
Crystal
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Gripoix Emerald Sapphire Ruby Amethyst Cabochons Avon Set
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Wokingham, England
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Avon Vintage Gripoix Cabochons Emerald Sapphire Ruby Amethyst Green Navy Blue Red Purple Jewellery Gift 2 Set Chunky Statement Y Necklace Earrings, Gold Tone Ve...
Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane's Snail brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane's exotic snail brooch fashioned from a real shell and mounted onto a gilt body. 1960's USA. 3" x 1.75". Excellent condition.
Gilt Metal
Kenneth Jay Lane Pave Swirl Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Early and large K.J.L. pendant earrings from the 1960's of pave ropes in swirl pattern. Clip back fittings strikingly set into blackened metal. 1960's USA. 2.75" x 1.75". Excellent...
Kenneth Jay lane Faux Lapis Domed Crest
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Attractive Kenneth Jay lane Faux Lapis Domed Crest Brooch. Faux lapis cabs are open set into textured matte gold metal , 1960's USA. Signed. 2.4" x 1" high.
Gilt Metal
Kenneth Jay Lane Sculptural Long Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Rare Kenneth Jay Lane long sculptural squiggle earrings of white and turquoise faceted stones set in blackened silver metal. 1960'S USA. Signed on b...
Gilt Metal
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL "Let Them Eat Cake" Grey & Clear Rhinestone Parure
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
An extremely rare set of Kenneth Lane clear and grey color rhinestone necklace, brooch and earring set from the "Let Them Eat Cake" collection. The 18th-century style incorporates bo...
Base Metal
$200Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Double Flower Pin Brooch, Green Crystal Stones, Modern
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Mesmerizing green crystal centers surrounded by mini rhinestones in shades of green give this golden pin brooch a luxurious, verdant look. Gold plated. By Kenneth Jay Lane. Tags, ...
Crystal
$256Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Clear Crystal and Faux Mother of Pearl Gold Collar Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A faux mother of pearl and clear emerald-cut crystal collar necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane. Gold-plated chain. Hallmarks: Kenneth Lane, Made in USA 43 cm length + 10 cm extension
Crystal
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Coral Branch Enamel Soft Orange Cuff Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
More beautiful than the oceans! This nautical Kenneth Jay Lane cuff bracelet features coral branches painted in a mellow-orange enamel. Set on gold plated metal setting. Hinged ban...
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Kaleidoscope Collar Necklace, Enamel and Crystal Motifs
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Kaleidoscope necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane. Signature KJL designs linked together to form a dazzling statement necklace! Colorful koi fish, flowers, jelly belly monkey, snail, fly, an...
Crystal, 22k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$240Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Butterfly Pin Brooch, Green and Blue Enamel
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A stylish butterfly pin brooch from Kenneth Jay Lane. This golden critter is painted with emerald green and indigo blue enamel. Marks / hallmarks / etc: Kenneth Lane, Made in USA
Gold Plate, Enamel
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Kaleidoscope Collar Necklace, Enamel and Crystal Motifs
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Kaleidoscope necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane. Signature KJL designs linked together to form a dazzling statement necklace! Includes colorful star, fly, coral, art deco, unicorn, butter...
Crystal, 22k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$103Sale Price|20% Off
Gold Bezel Pearl Drop Earrings By Kenneth Jay Lane, 1990s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '90s - Each earring measures 1" x 1.4" - Gold plated - Faux pearl - Post earring backs for pierced ears - By Kennet...
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Vintage Large White Pearl Pear Crystals Leaf Clip Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Wokingham, England
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Vintage Large White Pearl Pear Fruits Crystals Leaf Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone A very beautiful pair of clip on earrings, signe...
Gold Plate