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 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...
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
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
Shield Cuff Solid Silver
By Tinguely Bijoux
Located in Boston, MA
Fluid and bold solid Silver cuff. Pairs with Shield Ring. Also available in Yellow Gold and White and Rose Gold by special order.
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
Ammonite 22 Karat and 18 Karat Gold Cuff Bracelet Tourmaline Tanzanite Garnet
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
Ammonite is another stunning, magical fossilized gem. The accent stones in this cuff bracelet are tourmaline, kyanite and garnet in 22k and 18k gold. This cuff is comfortable and o...
Tourmaline, Garnet, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Gold
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...
Twig Cuff in Sterling Silver with Carved Sawo Wood Acorns
By K. Brunini Jewels
Located in Solana Beach, CA
From the K. Brunini Twig Collection, a nature-inspired Cuff in Sterling Silver tipped with Carved Sawo Wood Acorns.
Sterling Silver
$15,850
H 1.25 in W 2.5 in Dm 2 in
Vintage Italian 18 Karat Gold Sculptural Cuff Bracelet 1970's Design
Located in North Miami, FL
This thick and stunning vintage Italian sculptural bracelet is stamped 18K Gold. It has great weight and presence. it has 3 rows of 18 K yellow gold that is recessed and 3 rows that is frontal giving it it's sculptural entity. It has an in and out pattern of gold as in a weave pattern. It is beautiful, timeless, classic and will work day or evening. It is hallmarked 18K. There is a florentine like pattern on the gold and it is extremely well made. This is a very very fine Italian 18K gold cuff bracelet. The weight is 51.7 DWT. There are two safety hooks and clasps. This will fit a wrist of 6 inches in diameter which is a small wrist to a medium small wrist. The small wrist will have some wiggle room. It will fit a slightly larger wrist which would be a small to medium that will have a tighter fit like 6.5". The inside diameter of this gorgeous bracelet is 2". This has good weight to it and is a very special elegant Italian 18K gold bracelet...
18k Gold, Gold
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
Sonwai Wood Turquoise Lapis Lazuli Silver and Yellow Gold Height Inlay Cuff 2020
Located in New York, NY
Ebony, Vermillion wood, Lone Mountain turquoise, lapis lazuli, yellow gold and sterling silver height inlay cuff, with stones and wood set in a...
Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Gold, Silver
Shield Cuff Solid 18 Karat Gold
By Tinguely Bijoux
Located in Boston, MA
Fluid and bold solid 18 karat gold cuff. Pairs with Shield Ring. Also available in Silver and White Gold by special order.
18k Gold, Gold
Hinged Cuff Bracelet with Chryoprase
Located in Darnestown, MD
Striking hinged 14 karat gold bracelet with three large chrysoprase oval stones. The largest measures 3 centimeters x 2 centimeters. The front of the ...
Chrysophrase, 14k Gold
Sharch Cut Out Cuff Bracelet Silver Satin
By Cristina Cipolli Jewellery
Located in London, Richmond
The design is inspired by a fusion of a modernist-futurist architecture from the 1970s and the body of the shark, predator of the ocean. It has cuts in an abstract fishbone pattern. ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
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