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.
$132Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Crystal Own Pin Brooch, Blue Jelly Belly Cabochon
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Wisdom of the owl and the glamour of Kenneth Jay Lane! A golden owl pin with a carved dark blue cabochon belly and mesmerizing green crystal eyes, accented with clear crystals. Gold...
Crystal
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Unicorn Head Brooch in Gold, Pave Crystals
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A majestic, golden-maned, ruby-eyed unicorn decorated with pave clear crystals. A stylish brooch from Kenneth Jay Lane! Hallmarks: Kenneth Lane
Crystal
Large Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Simulated Turquoise and Amber Brooch c. 1970s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
A striking brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane, designed in a bold cross–inspired form and showcasing the designer’s signature flair for dramatic, couture costume jewelry. The brooch is cente...
Base Metal
Kenneth Jay Lane Jeweled Shell Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Large and rare Kenneth Jay Lane Jeweled Shell Brooch from the 1960's in the Verdura style. Although unsigned, he was known for making these prototype pieces before later casting the...
Gilt Metal
KENNETH JAY LANE KJL signed vintage pastel enamel rhinestone butterfly brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KENNETH JAY LANE KJL • gold tone with enamel and rhinestones • vintage designer brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal...
$132Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Pave Crystal Conch Shell Nautical Pin Brooch, Modern
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
More beautiful than the oceans! A golden conch pin brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane covered with sparkling clear pave crystals. Gold plated. Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: KJL, Made in USA
Crystal
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Pegasus Brooch, Pin in Gold Black and Gray
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A bold and stylish pegasus pin by Kenneth Jay Lane! Features a painted dark gray horse with golden wings, accented with pave crystals and a centerpiece black cabochon. Hallmarks: Ke...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane Deco Brooch 1970s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A 1970s Vintage Kenneth Lane Deco Brooch. Kenneth Jay Lane built his reputation on confidence. From the 1960s onwards his pieces were worn by royalty, actresses and women who underst...
Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane Statement Jewelled Cruciform Brooch 1980s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A spectacular Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane Jewelled Cruciform Brooch. A lavish cruciform inspired design is richly embellished with lapis and coral glass cabochons and finished with pave...
$632Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Tutti Frutti Art Deco Fruit Pin Brooch with Clear Crystals, Rhodium
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Colorful tutti-frutti style art deco brooch by Kenneth Lane. Features bright green and red flower and leaf motifs accented with clear crystals and black enamel. Rhodium-plated metal ...
Crystal
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Embellished Koi Fish Brooch, Yellow Gold, Crystals & Enamel
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
An embellished koi fish pin brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane. Features a painted green enamel body, accented with clear and green pave crystals. Set on gold ...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$272Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Faux Pearl Embellished Shell Brooch Pin in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A unique nautical-themed pin/brooch by KJL. Features A faux pearl, colorful cabochons, and crystals, set in gold-plated bezels. Painted coral enamel. Kenneth Jay Lane. Hallmarks: K...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane's Snail brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane's exotic snail brooch fashioned from a real shell and mounted onto a gilt body. 1960's USA. 3" x 1.75". Excellent condition.
Gilt Metal
$280Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Art Deco Faux Jade Jeweled Leopard Cat Pin Brooch, Modern
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
An art deco inspired pin brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane. Features a jeweled leopard cat decorated with clear, black, and red crystals in a round faux-jade frame. Hallmarks: Kenneth © La...
Crystal
1980s Kenneth Jay Lane Giant Renaissance Maltese Cross Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in London, GB
This superb late 1980s to early 1990s brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane makes a real statement and was designed to turn heads. In a Maltese cross formation, it features four octagonal forms...
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Clear & Green Crystal Elephant Pin in Textured Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A quirky pin by Kenneth Jay Lane featuring a textured yellow gold-plated elephant with two emerald crystal eyes and clear crystal accents throughout, all set in decorative bezels. Sa...
Crystal, 22k Gold, Gold Plate
Kenneth Lane Rare Vivid Whimsical Green Enamel with Red Accent "Frog" Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Lane rare wonderfully vivid whimsical gilded gold vermeil hardware with Irish-Green overlay enamel accented with ruby-like eyes. Surrounding the eyes are micro studs. ...
$240Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Butterfly Pin Brooch, Green and Blue Enamel
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A stylish butterfly pin brooch from Kenneth Jay Lane. This golden critter is painted with emerald green and indigo blue enamel. Marks / hallmarks / etc: Kenneth Lane, Made in USA
Gold Plate, Enamel
$200Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Double Flower Pin Brooch, Green Crystal Stones, Modern
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Mesmerizing green crystal centers surrounded by mini rhinestones in shades of green give this golden pin brooch a luxurious, verdant look. Gold plated. By Kenneth Jay Lane. Tags, ...
Crystal
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Starfish Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Montreal, QC
Stunning KJL Kenneth Jay Lane starfish earrings in gold tone metal each center set with a faux Aquamarine, down the center of each leg orange...
Gold Plate
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL CZ Embellished Pave Crystal Paisley Motif Pin Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Sparkling brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane - a pave clear cubic zirconia crystal paisley motif accented with an amethyst crystal outline. Hallmarks: KJLane
Crystal, Zircon
$116Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Pave Green Crystal Leaf Pin Brooch, Gray Gunmetal, KJL
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Sparkling pin brooch from Kenneth Jay Lane. This gray-gunmetal leaf is decorated with dazzling crystals in peridot, olivine, and emerald colors. Hallmarks: Kenneth Lane
Crystal
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Cabochon Crystal and Black Enamel Salamander in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A whimsical salamander/lizard/gecko brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane. Painted black enamel body, adorned with coral-colored cabochons and sparkling clear and re...
Crystal, 22k Gold, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane Cabochon Cross Pin Brooch, Black & Pink, Gold Finish, Crystals
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Elevate your ensemble with the Kenneth Jay Lane cabochon cross pin, a stunning accessory that exudes elegance and sophistication. This exquisite piece features a light pink centerpiece...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane Large Whimsical Multi-Color "Bird" Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane wonderfully large whimsical multi-color "Bird" brooch set with faux lapis, faux emeralds, faux jadeite and lavender, as well as black enamel and acc...
$288Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Filigree, Green Cabochon and Crystal Pin Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A stylish pin by Kenneth Jay Lane featuring prong-set green and pink cabochons, accented with clear crystals and set in a decorative filigree goldtone setting. Hallmarks: Kenneth Lane
Crystal, Gold Plate
Vintage KJL Kenneth Jay Lane signed gold rhinestone seashell designer brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KJL • gold tone with rhinestones • vintage designer brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 50 ❤️❤️ VI...
Kenneth Jay Lane Massive Pearl Pear Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane Massive Pearl Pear Brooch from the 1980's. A large faux 3D pearl "pearl is accented by gilt leaves encrusted in tiny pave rhinestones. 2.7...
Gilt Metal
Signed KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Mariposa Crystal Black Enamel Butterfly Brooch Pin
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful Kenneth Jay Lane Mariposa Butterfly silver tone Brooch set with CZ Crystals; Black Enamel detailing; signed on reverse: KJL; approx. size: just under 1.75" x 1.25" An Ex...
KJL Tutti Frutti Art Deco Fruit Pin Brooch with Clear Crystals, Rhodium Plated
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Colorful tutti-frutti style art deco brooch by Kenneth Lane. Features bright green and red flower and leaf motifs accented with clear crystals and black enamel. Rhodium-plated metal ...
Crystal
Kenneth Jay Lane "Asian Inspired" Faux "Jadeite Dragon" & Faux Diamonds Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane wonderfully detailed "Asian inspired" faux "Jadeite" Dragon Polished silver vermeil hardware accented with multi-micro faux diamonds surrounding the jadeite D...
$240Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Embellished Pave Crystal Turtle Silver Brooch, Black Enamel
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane. This sparkling turtle features clear pave crystals, accented with black enamel outlines on the shell. Hallmarks: Kenneth Lane, Made in USA
Crystal, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane Early Twisted Gold Crest
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Attractive dimensional twisted gold wire crest brooch by K.J.L. circa 1960s.
Excellent condition.
3 x 3"
Signed: K.J.L
Kenneth Jay Lane Silver Plated Rhinestone Palm Tree Brooch circa 1980s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in London, GB
Wonderful Kenneth Jay Lane silver plated palm tree brooch, set with marquise and round rhinestones. Measuring length 4.8cm / 1.88 inches by width 4.1c...
$396Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Embellished Jeweled Ruby and Green Salamander
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A colorful pin/brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane. This green salamander is decorated with glittering clear and ruby crystal. Gold-plated metal. Hallmarks: Kenneth © Lane
Crystal, Gold Plate
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Swan Pave Cubic Zirconia & Enamel Pin Brooch in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
An ornate swan decorated with pave cubic zirconia and blue enamel, prong set in a gold plated metal. Brilliant luster and shine - this brooch is sure to catch everyone's attention! B...
Zircon, 22k Gold, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane Whimsical Colorful Large "StarFish" Brooch and Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane's wonderfully whimsical "Starfish" set includes a large multi-color brooch as well as a set of matching earrings. ...
Kenneth Jay Lane Vintage Koi Fish Crystal & Enamel Costume Pearl Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Kenneth Jay Lane Vintage Koi Fish Crystal & Enamel Costume Pearl Brooch is a stunning statement piece that beautifully captures the elegance and artistry of high-end costume...
Kenneth Lane Whimsical Green Enamel with Ruby-Like Accent "Alligator" Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane wonderfully whimsical large "Alligator" brooch detailed with bold Irish-green enamel accented with ruby-like stones and finished with faux diamond eyes. This ...
Kenneth Jay Lane Large Whimsical "Ruby" & "Diamonds" "Starburst" Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane wonderfully large whimsical gilded gold vermeil hardware "Starburst" brooch detailed with a center faux ruby and multi-size faux diamonds surrounding the ruby...
Iconic 1960's Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Coral Lion Pin
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage gold plated KJL for Kenneth Jay Lane gold plated pin with coral resin bead detail and rhinestone and glass accents. Excellent condition for age with minor wear. 1960s collect...
Kenneth Jay Lane Jaguar with Faux Diamonds and Faux Sapphires Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane wonderfully elegant Jaguar in polished silver vermeil finished hardware detailed with faux diamonds and faux sapphires makes for a chic brooch. The brooch mea...
Kenneth Lane Large Gilded Gold Vermeil Hardware "Lion with Ring" Pendant/Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Large wonderful large gilded gold vermeil hardware "Lion with Ring" optional pendant and brooch detailed with etching throughout, measures 3 inches in height. The widt...
Kenneth Jay Lane "Swirls" of enamel and Faux Diamonds Brooch & Earring Set
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane's wonderful gilded gold vermeil hardware accented with "Swirls" of enamel and finished with faux diamonds matching brooch and earrings makes for ...
Kenneth Jay Lane Huge Gilded Gold Vermeil with Pearls Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
The famed Kenneth Jay Lane, who recently left us, created this wonderfully huge gilded gold vermeil finish brooch is paired with pearls, measuring 3" in length. The width measur...
Kenneth Lane Beautiful Gilded Silver Hardware Multi-Tier "Leaves" Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Lane's wonderful & beautifully elegant gilded Silver vermeil hardware set with multi-tiers of faux diamonds surrounding a large "center" Faux diamond. This beautiful b...
Kenneth Jay Lane Vintage Elephant Pearl and Enamel Gold Brooch Pin
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Philadelphia, PA
RARE VINTAGE Kenneth Jay Lane Elephant brooch pin in excellent condition. Gold elephant shape with red enamel skirt, crystal eyes and detail...