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 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
Vintage 1970s Kenneth Jay Lane Gold and Red Enamel Statement Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This striking vintage bracelet by renowned designer Kenneth Jay Lane, crafted in the 1970s, exemplifies the bold and luxurious style of the era. The bangle features a distinctive spi...
Enamel
Kenneth Jay Lane Twisted Rope Cuff
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Attractive KJL hinged clamper cuff of twisted gold ropes. Very David Webb in spirit. 1960's USA. 1.25" wide. 2.5" x 2" interior diameter. Excellent condition.
Taxco Sterling Silver Abalone Bracelet 1965 Clamper Alfredo Villasana
Located in Wallkill, NY
This is a superb circa 1965 sterling silver Clamper bracelet made by Alfredo Villasana of Taxco, Mexico, handcrafted modernist hinged clamper bracelet with abalone inset. Villasana w...
Sterling Silver
Chanel Black Resin 3 Button Cuff Bracelet 2018 Fall Collection
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This outstanding, chic black resin Chanel cuff makes a big statement. The three gold tone buttons are highlighted with the CC logo in the cente...
Gold Plate
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
Turquoise, Coral and Seed Pearl Encrusted Hinged Bracelet By Sandor, 1950s
By Sandor
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - 7.5" circumference (fits most wrists) - 1.25" width - Gold tone - Covered in layers of faux turquoise a...
Chanel Vintage Hinged Camellia flower bracelet with safety chain 6.25"
By Chanel
Located in Sewickley, PA
Beautiful Chanel Camellia flower 24k gold plated hinged bracelet with safety chain. This bracelet is a rare example from the 1980s which is in lovely vintage condition without any m...
Gold Plate
5.42 Carat Happy Diamond Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
This 5.42 Carat Happy Diamond Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold is a lavish piece of jewelry that exudes elegance and sophistication. The centerpiece features 9 round cut moving diamonds, ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Major Chanel Black Resin Cuff with Rhinestones from the 2009 Cruise Collection
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This important Chanel black resin and rhinestone cuff was released as part of the 2009 cruise collection. It is in excellent vintage condition and is simply stunning. What a wonderful item to show off in. It gives new meaning to the phrase "if you've got it flaunt it." Hinged on one side and stays closed with a small, round, hidden magnetic clasp on the inside. This oval shaped cuff fits a small to medium size wrist. Measures 2.13 inches wide (north to south). Marked CHANEL 09C...
Antora Tubogas 18 Karat Rose Gold and Diamonds Diamond Bracelet
By Antora
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Flexible and adaptable necklace with tubogas craftmanship that fits medium to large sizes. Available in three colours of gold, yellow, white and rose. Gold Weight 9.5gr and 0.15Carat Diamonds Available in 3 colours of gold and made to measure wrist size Production time 4 weeks Made in Antora, Catania Italy...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$375Sale Price|21% Off
W 1.25 in
Italian Gilt Metal Jeweled Poured Glass Wide Hinged Cuff Bracelet c 1980s
Located in University City, MO
Italian gilt metal jeweled poured glass wide hinged cuff bracelet c 1980s The elegant jeweled cuff is sheathed with textured, hammered luminous gilt m...
Gold Plate
Whiting Davis Silver Snake Clamper
By Whiting & Davis
Located in New York, NY
Classic Whiting Davis Silver Snake Expansion Clamper from the 1980's. Signature mesh made into a "rope" body with head and tail hilts. Signe...
Silver Plate
Vintage gold enamel geometric bangle bracelet
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • gold tone with enamel • vintage designer bracelet MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 36 ❤️❤️...
$1,900
W 2.13 in Dm 2.25 in
Chanel Bold and Riveting Gold Tone Cuff with Chrome Rivets 2 1/8 In. Wide- 2016
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This very stylish Chanel cuff is crafted from satin finish gold tone metal with high polish chrome rivets over it's entire surface. It's a perfect example of chic, contemporary style...
Base Metal
Antique Gold Satined Engraved Garnet Bracelet, 19th Century
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This beautiful antique bracelet is crafted in 14 karat gold and features a richly colored, oval-shaped rose-cut garnet as its centerpiece. The garnet displays a deep, vibrant red wit...
Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Plated and Silver Plated Dragon Bracelet circa 1960s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in London, GB
Fabulous early Kenneth Jay Lane gold plated and silver plated bangle bracelet, with a wonderful textured dragon design featuring six dragon heads. Inside measurements, width 6.1 cm /...
Black Enamel Double Leopard Head Bangle Bracelet By Kenneth Jay Lane, 1980s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '80s - Interior dimensions 2.5" x 2" / exterior dimensions 3.4" x 2.9" - 6.5" circumference (fits small to medium sized...
Gilded Double Lion Head Hinged Bangle Bracelet By Kenneth Jay Lane, 1960s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century - Extremely rare design - 7" circumference - 3.25" x 3.25" - Gold plated - Crystal rhinestones - Black ...
Gilded Rams Head Figural Hinged Bracelet By Kenneth Jay Lane, 1970s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '70s - Extremely rare style - 2.75" x 3.25" exterior dimensions - 2" x 2.25" interior dimensions - Fits petite wrists...
Sold
W 2.28 in L 2.8 in
Kenneth Jay Lane Zebra Striped Bangle with Coral Enamel and Faux Turquoise Domes
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in London, GB
Kenneth Jay Lane gold plated zebra striped bangle bracelet, featuring coral enamel and faux turquoise domes. Inside measurements length 7.1cm / 2.8 inches by width 5.8cm / 2.28 inche...
Chunky Lucite Tortoise Hinged Cuff With Crystal Pavé By Kenneth Jay Lane, 1990s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Exterior dimensions 3.5" x 3" - Interior dimensions 2.5" x 2" - 1" width - Lucite faux tortoise - Gold plated hardware - Crystal rhinestone accents - Opens on...
1960s Gilt & Milk Glass Cabochon Hinged Bangle Bracelet By Kenneth Jay Lane
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 2.5" x 3" - .75" width - Fits small to medium sized wrists - White milk glass style cabochons - Gold plated - Opens on a hinge - By Kenneth Jay Lane (signed ...
Designer Dragon Bracelet Kenneth Jay Lane Treasures of the Duchess KJL
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Montreal, QC
Magnificent Rare simulated Coral Dragon Bracelet. Treasures of the Duchess by Designer Kenneth Jay Lane. Enhanced with simulated Gemstones. Gold ...
Gold Plate
1990s Kenneth Jay Lane Purple Enamel and Rhinestone Elephant Clamper Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Gorgeous KJL purple enamel and gold elephant shaped clamper bracelet with rhinestone and pearl accent. This bracelet was produced in at least 6 different colors between the 1980s and...
Gold Plate, Enamel
1990s Kenneth Jay Lane Black Enamel and Rhinestone Elephant Clamper Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Gorgeous KJL black enamel and gold elephant shaped clamper bracelet with rhinestone and orange cabochon accent. This bracelet was produced in at least 6 different colors between the ...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Lion Bracelet with Brown Enamel, Blue Crystals, in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A bold bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane! Features a goldtone cuff, with a fierce lion, painted with brown enamel and accented with sparkling crystals. Hinged cuff, magnetic closure Inne...
Crystal, Gold Plate
1980s KJL Faux Turquoise Cabachon Encrusted Clamper Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Beautiful goldtone KJL clamper style bracelet covered in faux turquoise cabachons. The bracelet opens on the side with a snap, 'Kenneth Lane' stamp on th...
Other, Gilt Metal