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.
$280Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Green Jade Chunky Deco Bangle Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Art deco style asymmetrical style bangle bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane in luxurious faux jade. Inner circumference: 7.75 inches Inner diameter at widest part: 2.75 inches Marks / h...
$368Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Geometric White and Black Enamel Bangle Bracelet in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane in an exotic leopard pattern. Features raised gold-plated motifs accented with colorful crystals. Height: 3.6 cm / 1.4 in D...
Crystal, Gold Plate
$236Sale Price|37% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Pave Crystal Raised Motif Bangle Bracelet Leopard Pattern
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane in an exotic leopard pattern. Features raised gold-plated motifs accented with colorful crystals. Height: 1.6 cm / 0.6 in D...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Kenneth Lane Gilt Metal Cobalt Resin Link Bracelet circa 1990s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in University City, MO
Kenneth Lane gilt metal cobalt resin link bracelet The luminous gilt matte metal link bracelet is designed with a row of cobalt blue color resin egg-shaped cabochons The back und...
Gilt Metal
$360Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Blush Purple Enamel Ornate Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Stylish Kenneth Jay Lane bracelet, featuring an intricate raised-motif design painted with blush purple enamel on gold plated metal. Hallmarks: Kenneth Lane, Made in USA Inner circ...
Gold Plate
$276Sale Price|20% Off
KJLK Kenneth Jay Lane Floral Gold Crystal and Faux Pearl Leaf Link Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A stylish floral themed bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane. This link bracelet features flowing, gold-tone leaf and branch motifs, accented with glass pearls and clear crystals. Hallmark...
Crystal
$212Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Link Blue and White Crystal Bracelet in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A stylish Kenneth Jay Lane bracelet in gold tone, featuring linked textured segments accented with clear and blue crystals. Hallmarks: Kenneth Jay Lane
Crystal
Vintage 2000's 18k Yellow Gold Triple Cable Link Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 2000's 18K Yellow Gold Triple Cable Link Bracelet - The bracelet measures .25 inches wide and 7.25 inches long and features a spring ring clasp. The bracelet is stamped...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Meghna Jewels 18K Gold Enamel Turquoise Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A beautiful enamel bracelet handmade in 18K gold and sterling silver. It is set in 6.95 carats turquoise and 1.22 carats of sparkling diamonds. Clasp Closure. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS...
Turquoise, Diamond, Enamel, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold
Handmade 14K Rose Gold Diamond Spike Bangle Bracelet, 0.59 Carats
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A spike bangle bracelet handmade in 14K rose gold, enhanced with .59 carats of sparkling diamonds. Clasp Closure FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to vi...
Diamond, Rose Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Enamel Hand Painted Turquoise Ruby Diamond Maharaja Bangle Bracelet
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This Maharaja bangle bracelet features unique hand painted miniature art set with 14K gold and sterling silver. It is set with 2.45 carats rubies and ...
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Sterling Silver, Enamel, 14k Gold
La Nouvelle 18 Karat Gold Bracelet with .59 Carat Diamonds and Burgundy Enamel
By Nouvelle Bague
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat rose gold bracelet is designed by the world renowned Italian company La Nouvelle Bague. They are known for their exquisite craftsmanship, marrying the classic with the...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Rose Gold and Diamond Bangle
Located in Great Neck, NY
Bangles are so much fun to wear and add a special touch. This Rose gold and diamond bangle contains 6.5 grams of gold and 174 round VS2 , G color...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
La Nouvelle Bague 18 Karat Gold Bangle Bracelet with Diamonds and Green Enamel
By Nouvelle Bague
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent 18 karat yellow gold bracelet is designed by the world renowned Italian company La Nouvelle Bague. They are known for their exquisite enamel work, marrying the class...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1990s 14 Karat Yellow Gold Italian Wide Bold Link Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1990's 14K Yellow Gold Italian Wide Bold Link Bracelet - The Italian made bracelet measures .65 inches wide and 7.5 inches long and features a hidden plunger clasp. The brace...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Faye Kim 18K Gold Knife Edge Link Bracelet, Contemporary Design, USA
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
A one-of-a-kind stunner, Faye Kim's handcrafted 18k Gold Knife Edge Link Bracelet is substantial in weight and style. Each matte-finished link has been masterfully designed to connec...
Gold, 18k Gold
La Nouvelle Bague 18 Karat White Gold, Burgundy Enamel and Diamond Bracelet
By Nouvelle Bague
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat white gold bracelet is designed by the world renowned Italian company La Nouvelle Bague. They are known for their exquisite craftsmanship, marrying the classic with th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
$9,500 / item
W 2.29 in D 1.58 in L 2.29 in
Meghna Jewels 14K Gold Enamel Turquoise Floral Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
The pieces in Maharaja collection features unique hand painted miniature art set. This beautiful bangle is filled with intricate floral art in ivory & turquoise. Cast in 14K go...
Diamond, Turquoise, Sterling Silver, Enamel, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Heart Love Knot Bangle Bracelet Sterling Silver 14K Yellow Gold
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in an authentic Tiffany & Co. Heart Love Knot Bangle Bracelet in Sterling Silver and 14K Gold. The bangle features the iconic Heart Love Knot design with a polished hook-...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Meghna Jewels 18K Gold Enamel Blue Sapphire Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A stunning bracelet handmade in 18K gold & sterling silver features unique hand painted miniature art set. It is set in 8.16 carats blue sapphire & 1.06 carats diamonds. FO...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18 Karat Yellow Gold Multicolored Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet
By Valente
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully crafted multi-colored natural sapphire bracelet is comprised of 38.51 carats of sapphires and 3.51 carats of diamonds. Made ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1990's 14k Yellow Gold Italian Made Wide Link Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1990's 14K Yellow Gold Italian Made Wide Link Bracelet - The bracelet measures .5 inches wide and 7.5 inches long and features a hidden plunger clasp built into a link with a...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 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 Ruby Cabochon Black Cuff Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Kenneth Jay Lane cuff bracelet. Black 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
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Cluster Faux Lapis Lazuli and Pearl Bead Gold Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Chic bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane! Add some glamour to any style with this goldtone bracelet decorated with faux lapis lazuli and pearl beads. ...
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Charm Cluster Turquoise and Faux Pearl Bead Gold Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Chic bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane! Add some glamour to any style with this goldtone bracelet decorated with faux turquoise and pearl beads. Toggle Clasp Hallmarks: Kenneth Lane
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Coral Dahlia Flower Cuff Bracelet, Gold in White Enamel
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane, featuring large clear crystals set in a dazzling gold bangle. Diameter at widest part: 5.5 cm/ 2.18 in Inner circumference: 15 cm / 6 in Hallmarks:...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Sparkling Star Cuff Bracelet, Silver in Indigo Enamel
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane, featuring a pave crystal 12-pointed star with a aquamarine cabochon center. The silvertone bracelet is painted in a striking indigo blue color. Diame...
Crystal
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Pave Crystal Raised Motif Bangle Bracelet Leopard Pattern
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane in an exotic leopard pattern. Features raised gold-plated motifs accented with colorful crystals. Height: 5.7 cm / 2.2 in Diameter at widest part: 6 c...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Flower Bouquet Enamel and Crystal Bangle Bracelet in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane featuring an assortment of painted enamel flowers accented with crystals in gold. Diameter at widest part: 6.0 cm/ 2.4 in Inner circumference: 16.5 c...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Geometric Chunky Gold Bangle Bracelet with Pink Accents
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane, featuring elegant geometric designs in gold, accented with pink resin accents and smoky topaz crystals. Height: 5.9 cm / 2.3 in Diameter at widest pa...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Chunky Gold Bangle Bracelet with Oversized Clear Crystals
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane, featuring large clear crystals set in a dazzling gold bangle. Diameter at widest part: 5.68 cm/ 2.2 in Inner circumference: 15.7 cm / 6.25 in Hallm...
Crystal, Gold Plate
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Embellished Crystal and Coral Enamel Snake in Cuff Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Hinged cuff bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane. Clear, green, blue, violet crystals and turquoise cabochons. Painted in coral enamel. Set on gold. Hallmarks: Kenneth Lane, Made in USA Inn...
Crystal
Sold
H 1.82 in Dm 2.29 in
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane White Enamel Crystal and Resin Scarab Cuff Bracelet in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A bold cuff bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane. Features a painted enamel front with a decorated scarab motif. The bug features a coral resin cabochon back and white and green pave crystal...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Sold
H 1.82 in Dm 2.19 in
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane White Enamel Crystal and Resin Scarab Cuff Bracelet in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A bold cuff bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane. Features a painted enamel front with a decorated scarab motif. The bug features a turquoise-colored resin cabochon back and white and green ...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Sold
H 1.82 in Dm 2.19 in
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Black Enamel Crystal and Resin Scarab Cuff Bracelet in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A bold cuff bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane. Features a painted enamel front with a decorated scarab motif. The bug features a coral-colored resin cabochon back and white and green pave...
Crystal, Gold Plate