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.
New Kenneth Jay Lane Swarovski Crystal Accented Gold-Tone White Enamel Watch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Conroe, TX
Kenneth Jay Lane Watch Brand New Swarovski Crystal Accented Gold-Tone White Enamel Watch Gold tone hinged cuff bangle watch Quality and accurate Japanese-quartz movement Durable min...
$225Sale Price|40% Off
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...
$207Sale Price|40% 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...
$225Sale Price|40% Off
KENNETH LANE signed vintage gold tone blue enamel link chain designer bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KENNETH LANE • gold plated with enamel • vintage designer bracelet MEASUREMENTS • will fit wrist up to size 7 1/2" CONDITION • very good vintage condition w...
Kenneth Jay Lane Bombé Cocktail Ring, Circa 1990s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
A glamorous bombé cocktail ring by Kenneth Jay Lane, circa 1990s. Beautifully white‑gold–plated and crowned with a dramatic pavé crystal dome, this late‑20th‑century statement piece ...
Other, Gold Plate, Base Metal
$177Sale Price|40% Off
BRONZE ITALY BELLA DIVA signed vintage gold plated textured omega chain bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed BRONZE ITALY BELLA DIVA • gold plated • vintage designer bracelet MEASUREMENTS • 7 1/2" long by 9/16" wide CONDITION • very good vintage condition with min...
Kenneth Jay Lane Door Knocker Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane Door Knocker Earrings from the 1980's. Done in the David Webb style of hammered gilt metal with cabochons of faux gems. Clip back fittings. 1960's USA. 2" high x 1.5...
Gilt Metal
KJL Earring of Emeralds and Pastes
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Faux Emerald and paste set dramatic earring by Kenneth Jay Lane circa 1960s. 2.5" x 1.25"
Excellent condition with clip back fittings.
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
$448Sale Price|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
Kenneth Jay Lane Paste and Milk Cab Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Large early Kenneth Jay Lane earrings of milk glass cabochons surrounded by pastes. Large and striking in scale. Clip back fittings.1960's USA. 4" x 1.5". Excellent condition.
Gilt Metal
$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
$368Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Geometric White and Black Enamel Bangle Bracelet in Gold
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: 3.6 cm / 1.4 in D...
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...
$232Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Coral Enamel Bezel Ruby Crystal Square Clip on Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Stylish Kenneth Jay Lane earrings, featuring rose, amethyst, and ruby crystals bezel set ina orange enamel square clip on earrings. Hallmarks: KJL, Made in USA
KJL Tutti Frutti Art Deco Fruit Pin Brooch with Clear Crystals, Rhodium Plated
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 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...
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 ladybug, a hand fan, a clock, a pair of shoes, and an angel. Accented with crystals and enamel, fastened with a toggle clasp. By Ken...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane Golden 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 starfish, fly, ladybug, butterfly, coral, flower, and...
Crystal, 22k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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
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, shoes, a cuckoo clock, an angel, and flashlight. Accented with crystals and enamel, fastened with a toggle clasp...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane Faux Pearls
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Kenneth Jay Lane Faux Pearls from the 1980's. Four strand cream faux pearls with pave Art Deco inspired clasp. Signed. 1980's USA. Lengths 15-18", 1.25" wide.
Rhodium
Early Kenneth Jay Lane Moghul Elephant Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Charming K.J.L. Early Moghul Elephant Brooch from the 1960's. 3D elephant with glass cabochons in ruby and emerald with faux pearls hanging from tusks. 2" x 1", Early mark, 1960's USA.
Gilt Metal
Kenneth Jay Lane Whimsical Embellished Lucite "Strawberry" Pendant & Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane's wonderfully whimsical lucite "Strawberry" embellished with rhinestones. The strawberry measures 1 1/2 inches by 1 inch. The gilded gold hardware necklace is styled with a rope-chain design and measures 28 inches. In total with the strawberry hanging on the necklace, it measures 32 inches. Made in the USA. Please note...We also have a Kenneth Jay Lane Jade...
$165Sale Price|40% Off
KJL KENNETH JAY LANE signed dangle runway clip on earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KJL • silver tone with rhinestones and faux pearls • vintage designer runway earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with mi...
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Double Sea Serpent Crystal Enamel Faux Pearl Gold Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Double-headed sea serpent hinged crossover bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane with intricate detail. Features gold-plated metal in a textured scale pattern. Each snake head is accented wit...
Crystal, Pearl, 22k Gold, Gold Plate, Gold, Enamel
Vintage Signed Kenneth Lane Gold Plated Collar Necklace Egyptian Etruscan Style
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in North Miami, FL
This early vintage fabulous gold plated collar necklace is by Kenneth Jay Lane and in the style of Egyptian Etruscan and a great nod to history. it is from the early 60's and errs mo...
Gold Plate
$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...
Kenneth Jay Lane Laguna Pearl Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Glamorous Kenneth Jay Lane, Laguna multi strand faux pearl necklace with elaborate jeweled clasp of faux sapphires and emeralds in the...
Gilt Metal
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...
Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane Cream Enamel Strawberry Pendant Necklace KJL Gold Tone
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
This vintage designer pendant necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane (KJL) features a charming, substantial strawberry pendant. The whimsical fruit motif is crafted with a smooth cream-colored...
Gold Plate, Gold, Enamel
1980s Kenneth Jay Lane Silver and Gold Tone Braided Bangle
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Absolutely fabulous and fun Kenneth Jay Lane bangle from the 1980s. A lovely mix of warm bright gold and cool silver tone metal braided together. O...
Gilt Metal
Art Deco style geometric drop earrings, Kenneth Jay Lane, USA, 1970s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
Part of a range produced by Kenneth Lane, of Art Deco style pieces (earrings, brooches, necklaces, bracelets), in varying colourways, during the 1970s, and also later in his career, ...
Base Metal
Kenneth Jay Lane Lucite Ribbed Dome Cocktail Vintage Modernist Ring
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Rome, IT
Kenneth Jay Lane Lucite Ribbed Dome Cocktail Vintage Modernist Ring Domed cocktail ring for a touch of sophisticated elegance! By Kenneth Jay Lane. Sizes 8,75 US Brass, White gold ...
Quartz, Rhodium, Brass
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
$177Sale Price|40% Off
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...
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Statement Bib Necklace and Clip-on Dangle Earrings Set
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
A dramatic and regal statement necklace by Kenneth Lane, accompanied by its original matching clip-on earrings. The design features linked gold-plated floral motifs, each centered wi...
Gold Plate
$285Sale Price|40% Off
KENNETH LANE signed vintage matte gold seashell massive designer tassel necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KENNETH LANE • gold tone with cord • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • cord is 28" long, seashell is 2 1/2" by 1 3/4", tassel is 4" long CONDITION • ...
$297Sale Price|40% Off
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...
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Cabochon Crystal and Black Enamel Salamander in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A whimsical salamander/lizard/gecko brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane. Painted black enamel body, adorned with coral-colored cabochons and sparkling clear and re...
Crystal, 22k Gold, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane Pearl and Crystal Ring Ear Clips
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Striking Kenneth Jay Lane Pearl and Crystal Ring Ear Clips from the 1980's. Large faux pearls are set onto crystal rings with pave accents. Clip...
Gilt Metal
$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
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
Kenneth Jay Lane Faux Amber Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Large faux amber bead necklace in bakelite by Kenneth Jay Lane in the ethnic taste. Oversized beads are spaced with gold beads and a large drop with gilt ca...
Gilt Metal
Kenneth Jay Lane Ancient Medallion Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Kenneth Jay Lane Ancient Medallion Necklace in the Moroccan style with rich gold bead spacers and long adjustable chain. 1980's USA. 25" x 2...
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
$195Sale Price|40% Off
KENNETH LANE vintage silver tone lions door knocker designer clip on earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KENNETH LANE • silver tone • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku A66 ❤️❤️ V...
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
$285Sale Price|40% Off
KENNETH JAY LANE KJL vintage pink rhinestones flower designer clip on earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KJL KENNETH JAY LANE • silver tone with rhinestones • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • 1 1/2" by 1 1/8" CONDITION • very good vintage condition w...
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...
$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
$285Sale Price|40% Off
KENNETH LANE vintage silver tone rhinestones pearl designer clip on earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KENNETH LANE • silver tone with rhinestones and faux pearl • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • 1" by 1 1/8" CONDITION • very good vintage condition...
$225Sale Price|40% Off
KENNETH LANE signed vintage gold resin rhinestones designer clip on earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KENNETH LANE • resin and gold tone with rhinestones • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs o...
$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 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
$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
Kenneth Jay Lane Massive Pearl Pear Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane Massive Pearl Pear Brooch from the 1980's. A large faux 3D pearl "pearl is accented by gilt leaves encrusted in tiny pave rhinestones. 2.7...
Gilt Metal
$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 starfish, fly, ladybug, butterfly, jelly belly spider...
Crystal, 22k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Kenneth Lane Gilt Metal Cobalt Resin Link Bracelet circa 1990s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in University City, MO
Kenneth Lane gilt metal cobalt resin link bracelet The luminous gilt matte metal link bracelet is designed with a row of cobalt blue color resin egg-shaped cabochons The back und...
Gilt Metal
Kenneth Jay Lane Whimsical Rhinestone Jade-Green Lucite Apple Pendant & Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane's wonderfully whimsical large jade-green lucite apple is studded with rhinestones throughout. Accented with gilded gold hardware surround...