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 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...
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...
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
$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
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 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
$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
$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
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
$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 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
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
$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
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
$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
$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
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Unicorn Head Brooch in Gold, Pave Crystals
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A majestic, golden-maned, ruby-eyed unicorn decorated with pave clear crystals. A stylish brooch from Kenneth Jay Lane! Hallmarks: Kenneth Lane
Crystal
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...
Large Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Simulated Turquoise and Amber Brooch c. 1970s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
A striking brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane, designed in a bold cross–inspired form and showcasing the designer’s signature flair for dramatic, couture costume jewelry. The brooch is cente...
Base Metal
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...
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 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
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...
$238Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Gilded Bow Earrings with Swarovski Crystals, Signed
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in McKinney, TX
These dazzling & shiny gold-plated clip-on bow earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane are studded with faceted Swarovski crystals and are the perfect compliment to your holiday look! With a c...
CZ by Kenneth Jay Lane Amethyst Crystal Drop Earrings with Bow Motifs, Post Back
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Cubic Zirconia by Kenneth Jay Lane P/8 Cttw oval with bow drop earrings . Each earring features two amethyst cubic zirconia crystals accented with clear crystals. Post backs. Cubic ...
Crystal, Amethyst
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
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...
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
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Embellished Koi Fish Brooch, Yellow Gold, Crystals & Enamel
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
An embellished koi fish pin brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane. Features a painted green enamel body, accented with clear and green pave crystals. Set on gold ...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Jeweled Square Button Clip on Earrings, KJL, Contemporary
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A pair of clip on earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane. Each gold-plated earring is painted in coral orange enamel, and decorated with colorful crystals. Crystals: Aquamarine, peridot, rose...
Crystal, 22k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Kenneth Lane 1980's Gold Plated Hammered Links Double-Layered Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in London, GB
Kenneth Lane 1980's Gold Plated Hammered Links Double-Layered Necklace Gold necklace featuring a double-layered design with interlocking, hammered metal links. Detailed with a 'Ken...
Gold Plate
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 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 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
$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
Kenneth Jay Lane Huge Ruby Geometric Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
K.J.L.'s large geometric earrings set with a huge square and triangular "ruby" each. Set in blackened metal for striking contrast. Clip back fittings. 1980's USA. 2.25" x 1.25". Exc...
Gilt Metal
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 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...
1990s Kenneth Jay Lane Starfish Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Beautiful Kenneth Jay Lane earrings from the 1990s. Gold tone textured starfish with faux coral cabochons centres. Clip ons with plastic backings for comfort on ears. ©KJL marking on...
Gilt Metal
$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
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
$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 JAY LANE Faux Topaz Crystal & Enamel Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Atlanta, GA
1970’s Kenneth Jay Lane clip on earrings created with faceted crystals set in a triangular white enamel base. The rich brown crystals have the look and sparkle of smokey topaz. Per...
Enamel
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
Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane Statement Pearl Multi Row Cuff 1990s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A stunning vintage Kenneth Jay Lane Pearl Cuff. Rows and rows of eternally stylish pearls finished with a statement panel clasp. This piece is f...
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
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
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
$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
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 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 Pearl Pear Ear Clips
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Attractive Kenneth Jay Lane Ear clips with large faux pear shaped pearls. Ornate pave mounted foliate caps. Clip back fittings. Excellent condition. 1.5" x .8". This same style of ...
Gilt Metal
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...
Kenneth Jay Lane MultiColor Enamel with Gilded Gold Hardware "Owl" Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane wonderfully whimsical multicolor "owl" detailed with gilded gold vermeil hardware with enamel overlay of cream and irish green enamel. Micro-size faux diamonds ...
Kenneth Jay Lane Gilded Gold Vermeil "Double Rams" Spring-Back Bangle
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane whimsical thick gilded gold vermeil finish "Double Rams" bangle features a spring-back for a easier fit. Both Ram's head is accented with faux emeralds. The t...
$238Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Cubiz Zirconia Laurel Dramatic Dangle Drop Double Earrings, KJL
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Marquise and round clear cubic zirconia crystals create this dazzling drop design worthy of a red carpet event. Dangle earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane. CZ by Kenneth Jay Lane line. Rh...
Zircon, Rhodium