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.
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 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 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 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
Modernist Silver Designer Cuff Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet in silver. Important and massive, this silver cuff is made up of patterns with geometric and convex lines hinged together. The bracelet is semi rigid and closes with a hinge...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Royston Turquoise and Sterling Bracelet
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Large Royston turquoise and sterling silver bracelet. Large beautiful center stone surrounded by chain links in shadow box design with twisted rope border and three bands along sides...
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Angela Cummings Studios Vintage 18k Large Cuff Braclet
By Angela Cummings
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1984 Angela Cummings Studios 18k yellow Gold Cross over Design Cuff Bracelet, measuring 2 3/4 inches in length, 2 3/4 inches wide and weighing 55.3 Grams. inside measurement of...
18k Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Diamond Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k rose gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 2.80 carats. Signed by Bvlgari Size 7 inches Comes with its warranty card and orig...
Diamond, 18k Gold
0.20 Carat Diamonds Horse Cuff Bangle Bracelet w/ Hinge by Kurtulan Jewellery
By Kurtulan
Located in Bozeman, MT
0.20 Carat Diamonds Horse Cuff Bangle w/ Hinge by Kurtulan Jewellery of Istanbul Two Horses facing each other make this cuff bangle and striking stunner. With easy on easy off hinge ...
Diamond, Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
$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
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...
22 Karat Gold Vermeil Shrimp Cuff by Chee Lee New York
By Chee Lee New York
Located in New York, NY
This regal Shrimp Cuff is a classic design for the modern jewelry enthusiast who appreciates timeless pieces with a sophisticated edge. Wear it alone or pair it with our stunning Shrimp Ring All items are made to order, please allow 10-15 business days for items to ship after the order is placed. ----- Chee Lee...
Vermeil, 22k Gold
Vionnet Ice Blue Pave Set Hammered Deco Cuff Bracelet
By Vionnet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French designer, Madeline Vionnet, 1913-74, is considered to be one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century, introducing the bias cut and the sensual fluid drape of her grecian slave dresses. Her creations mark a distinctive and classically timeless approach to modern fashion. It is a rare privilege to own an authentic original 1930's Vionnet design. The brand new 21st century resurgence of the House of Vionnet...
Taxco Mexico Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet circa vintage
By Taxco Mexico
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Vintage Taxco Mexico Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet is a stunning example of artisanal craftsmanship, featuring a rich, ...
Navajo Turquoise and Sterling Bracelet
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Navajo single stone turquoise bracelet with stars. Beautiful large stone with hand stamped stars and detail with twisted rope borders. Hand stamped sterling details flows on sides on...
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
22 Karat Gold Spiral Cuff Bracelet
By Romae Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
22 Karat Yellow Gold Spiral Cuff Bracelet by ROMAE Jewelry - Inspired by an Ancient Design. Our stunning solid gold "Eupraxia" bracelet features a timeless "figure-eight" spiral repe...
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
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