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.
Vintage Signed Kenneth J Lane Rhinestone Set Verdura Inspired Black Enamel Cuff
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in valatie, NY
Vintage Signed Kenneth J Lane Rhinestone Set Verdura Inspired Black Enamel Cuff. With secure spring hinged gilt lined interior. The front is open set with gilt framed assorted cut rh...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
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
$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 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
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 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 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...
Kenneth J. Lane KJL Faux Coral Large Bangle Bracelet Vintage
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Wallkill, NY
Oversized Kenneth J. Lane faux Coral cabochon Bracelet. It Hinged Side Opening. Hallmarked on the inside. Measuring 1.88 inches at the widest....
Vermeil
Kenneth Jay Lane Faux Jade Flower Cuff Bracelet, Crystals and Black Enamel, 2"
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Step into the world of luxury with the Kenneth Jay Lane faux jade flower cuff bracelet. This stunning piece features a bold 2-inch wide band...
Crystal, Enamel
CHANEL Vintage Gold Rue Cambon Paris Quilted Cuff Bracelet
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
Stunning vintage gold rue cambon cuff bracelet from CHANEL 100% authentic Made in France Gold Plated Very good condition overall aside from light wear and scratches throughout Comes ...
Gold
Yves Saint Laurent Jeweled Cuff Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent ornately jeweled cuff bracelet. Of vari cut fuschia and faux amythest glass stones with center focal oval cabochon of faux lapis pate de verre. Set in black japane...
Crystal, Bronze, Other
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
$1,800
H 4 in W 4 in L 6 in
Vintage Copper, Red & Yellow Amber Glass Stones Wide Cuff Bracelet One Of A Kind
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage signed arresting wide cuff bracelet made from copper and 3 glass stones is fabulous on the wrist. It has 2 yellow amber teardrop shaped glass and one oblong glass in red...
Amber, Copper
Chanel Cuff Bracelet in Black Leather and Gold Metal with Rhinestones
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel -(Made in France) Imposing cuff in black leather and gold metal paved with rhinestones. Collection 2cc6. Additional information: Dimensions: Circumference: 13 cm Opening: ...
Gilt Metal
Navajo Single-Stone Turquoise and Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet
By Navajo
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Navajo sterling silver and turquoise cuff bracelet. With single Kingman stone set in decorative cuff featuring feathers, twisted rope border, stamped sterling beads and fan accents o...
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Navajo Cerrillos Turquoise and Sterling Bracelet
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Navajo bracelet with single large piece of turquoise, set into a twisted ropework bezel, sided with a silver leaf. Coiled wire and silver beads are employed throughout. The turquoise is from the Cerrillos Mine in New Mexico. Beautiful and feminine. PERIOD: After 1950 ORIGIN: Navajo, Southwest SIZE: Circumference 5 1/2"; gap 1 1/2"; width 2 1/2"; weight 1 oz Turquoise, Sterling Silver, Bracelets, Navajo, Native Jewelry...
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
1980s Vintage CHANEL Gold Toned Multicolored Gripoix Poured Glass Bracelet Cuff
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
1980s Chanel gold toned cuff bangle adorned with 17 multicolored Gripoix. Stamped 26 made in France. Circumference measures approximately 16 cm Width 3.3 cm Opening 1.6 cm. Comes wit...
CHANEL Vintage Byzantine Inspired Gripoix Cuff Bracelet, 1990
By Chanel
Located in Nice, FR
CHANEL by KARL LAGERFELD vintage Byzantine inspired gold tone cuff bracelet embellished with multicolored (green, red and blue) MAISON GRIPOIX faux gem glass cabochons and faux pearl...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Navajo Turquoise and Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet
By Navajo
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Large Navajo sterling silver and Royston turquoise cuff bracelet. Three large natural, untreated stones set in shadow box style setting with sterling silver beads and leaves. Stones ...
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
TIFFANY & Co. 18K Rose Gold Diamond Infinity Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
TIFFANY & Co. 18K Rose Gold Diamond Infinity Cuff Bangle Bracelet Tiffany Infinity is a powerful symbol of continuous connection, energy and vitality. Enduringly modern, this cuff m...
Diamond, Rose 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...
Kenneth Jay Lane Maltese Cross Cuff Bracelet Black & Gold Couture Statement
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Kenneth Jay Lane Maltese Cross Jeweled Enamel Cuff Bracelet – Black & Gold Couture Statement, Vintage KJL A dramatic and iconic Kenneth Jay Lane couture cuff, featuring his signatur...
Crystal
Sold
H 2 in W 2.5 in D 0.25 in Dm 2.5 in L 2.75 in
Kenneth Jay Lane 22k Gold Plated Textured Cuff Bracelet with Star Crystal Detail
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Santa Monica, CA
KENNETH JAY LANE 22k gold plated crystal star textured hinged cuff bracelet. Luxury designer jewelry. Substantial statement pieces. Made in USA. This remarkable KENNETH JAY LANE cuf...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass, Mixed Metal
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...
New Kenneth Jay Lane Turquoise Link Swarovski Crystal quartz Wristwatch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Conroe, TX
Kenneth Jay Lane Watch Brand New Swarovski Crystal Accented Gold-Tone Turquoise Cabochon Link Watch Quality and accurate Japanese-quartz movement Durable mineral crystal Mother-Of...
1970s Kenneth Jay Lane Jewelled Gold Cuff
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in London, GB
This showstopper of a cuff was designed by Kenneth Jay Lane in the 1970s. Kenneth Jay Lane, who began designing jewellery in 1963, was famously compared to Coco Chanel on a number of...
Kenneth Jay Lane Faux Jade Flower Cuff Bracelet, Crystals and Black Enamel, 2"
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Step into the world of luxury with the Kenneth Jay Lane faux jade flower cuff bracelet. This stunning piece features a bold 2-inch wide band...
Crystal, Enamel
New Kenneth Jay Lane Turquoise Link Swarovski Crystal quartz Wristwatch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Conroe, TX
Kenneth Jay Lane Watch Brand New Swarovski Crystal Accented Gold-Tone Turquoise Cabochon Link Watch Quality and accurate Japanese-quartz movement Durable mineral crystal Mother-Of...
New Kenneth Jay Lane Leopard Link Swarovski Crystal Quartz Wristwatch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Conroe, TX
New Kenneth Jay Lane Watch Brand New Fully studded with over 900 Swarovski Crystals Quality and accurate Japanese-quartz movement Durable mineral crystal Mother-Of-pearl dial Case...
Sold
H 1.38 in Dm 2.29 in
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
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Polished Coral Branch Hinged Cuff Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
More beautiful than the oceans! This nautical Kenneth Jay Lane cuff bracelet features glowing golden coral branches. 22KT Gold plated. Hinged bangle. H...
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
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...
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Ruby Cabochon White Cuff Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Kenneth Jay Lane cuff bracelet. White enamel and 22KT gold plated. Ruby resin cabochon centerpiece accented with faux emerald, lapis lazuli, and clear crystals. ... Measurements: i...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold