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.
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...
$448Sale Price|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
Delaneau 18 Karat Yellow Gold and 3.10 Carat Diamond Bracelet Watch
By Delaneau
Located in New York, NY
DeLaneau was founded by a woman in 1949 in Switzerland. They are one of the first watch companies to devote their entire collection to ladies timepieces....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Bracelet in 18K Rose Gold Size 17 With Box and Papers
By Cartier
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Brand: Cartier Style: Cartier Love Bracelet Metal: 18K Rose Gold Size: 17 Width: ~6mm Weight: 30.5 grams
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Yianni Creations Amethyst White Diamond Fine Silver Palladium Bangle Bracelet
By Yianni Creations
Located in Astoria, NY
This is Yianni Creations all handmade artisan bangle bracelet from Ammos Collection crafted from Fine Silver in Greece. This adjustable bracelet features 1.75 Carat oval cut Amethyst...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Palladium, Silver, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Cone Losange Green Enamel Bangle Bracelet 138 gm 18K
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
SERVICED BY TIFFANY & CO NY IN 2026 AND THEY APPRAISED IT FOR 100,000 COMES WITH PAPER FROM TIFFANY Stunning Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Cone Losange Bracelet, crafted in 18k...
18k Gold, Enamel
Zuni Sleeping Beauty Needlepoint Turquoise Bracelet
By Zuni
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Zuni sterling silver bracelet with beautiful stones of Sleeping Beauty needlepoint turquoise. Signed "G" and "AB." Solid and sturdy with classic bead and twisted rope borders. Nice p...
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
1950s 2.92 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Watch
By Ciro 8
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, stunning, fine and impressive vintage 2.96 carat diamond (total), platinum and 9 karat white gold cocktail watch; part of our vintage watch collections. This stunning ladies vintage...
Diamond, 9k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Barry Kieselstein Cord 2004 Sterling Silver & 14k Gold Frog Flower Cuff Bracelet
Located in Honolulu, HI
Barry Kieselstein Cord Cuff Bracelet in sterling silver and14k yellow gold. The bracelet features a 3-D frog in between 2 3-D flowers with 14k yellow gold petals. Hallmarked "Barry Kieselstein Cord" and stamped "2004," "925," "14K," "Thailand," on the inside. This cuff bangle measures 29 mm wide, 58 mm long and weighs 78.5 grams. This is a pre-owned Barry Kieselstein Cord bracelet...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Cartier JUSTE UN CLOU BRACELET 17 Nail PRQ613 18kt White Gold AU750 AUTHENTIC
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier JUSTE UN CLOU BRACELET 17 Nail PRQ613 18kt White Gold AU750 AUTHENTIC, CERTIFIED Juste un Clou bracelet, classic, 18K white gold (750/1000), rhodium-finish. Width: 3.5 mm si...
18k Gold, White Gold
Large Navajo Kingman Turquoise Cuff
By Navajo
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Exceptionally large Navajo Kingman turquoise and sterling wrist cuff. 48 nuggets of turquoise interspersed with sterling beads and another large turquoise stone surrounded by twisted...
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Buccellati Mario Leaf Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Buccellati Mario Leaf Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet Olive leaf design made out of sterling silver; marked Buccellati, Italy, 925, Sterling Size: wi...
Sterling Silver
William Spratling Sterling Silver and Amethyst Bracelet
By William Spratling
Located in Darnestown, MD
Rare, early sterling with amethyst bracelet by silver master, William Spratling. The bracelet has a raised, striated silver design throughout that terminates with two pear shaped cab...
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
DeLaneau 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Blue Sapphire Bracelet Watch
By Delaneau
Located in New York, NY
DeLaneau was founded by a woman in 1949 in Switzerland. They are one of the first watch companies to devote their entire collection to ladies timepieces...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Audemars Piguet Royal 50th anniversary 2016, 41mm with box and papers
By Audemars Piguet
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
ROYAL OAK SELFWINDING "50TH ANNIVERSARY" Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 18k Rose Gold This 18-carat pink gold Royal Oak Selfwinding in 41 mm is endowed with the new design evolution and sports a black Grande Tapisserie dial and a matching alligator strap. Black dial with “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, pink gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating. WATER RESISTANCE 50 m THICKNESS 10.5 mm Ref. 15500OR.OO.D002CR.01 The story of celebrated family-owned manufacturer Audemars Piguet and its universally acclaimed, widely coveted luxury watches begins deep in the Jura Mountains in western Switzerland. The Vallée de Joux has been a haven of watchmaking since the late 18th century, when the residents of farming communities began creating timepieces during the winter months. Jules Louis Audemars (1851–1918) and Edward Auguste Piguet...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Buccellati Mario Leaf Sterling Silver Leaf Cuff Bracelet
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Buccellati Mario Leaf Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet, Italian Medlar leaf design made out of sterling silver; marked Buccellati, Italy, 925, Sterling ...
Sterling Silver
Marina J. Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Watch with Woven Pearl, Ruby Band & Gold Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful One of A Kind stunning vintage working Winding Dial Watch is reworked into a timeless and elegant Pearl, Ruby and 14k Yellow Gold piece. Stamped and made in all solid 14k Y...
Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Sold
H 2 in Dm 2.5 in L 8 in
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 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 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
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
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Jeweled Maltese Cross Black Enamel Cuff Bracelet in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A stylish Kenneth Jay Lane cuff bracelet. Features a gold-plated tapered band painted in black enamel. A bold maltese cross motif is accented with colorful crystals and a vibrant cen...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Enamel