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.
Kenneth Jay Lane Designer Gold Swarovski Crystal Starburst Drop Post Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Kenneth Jay Lane 18K gold plated mixed metals clear Swarovski crystal double starburst drop earrings from 2012. Luxury designer jewelry statement pieces Made in USA. These striking ...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass, Mixed Metal
CZ by Kenneth Jay Lane Pave Flower Crystal Silver Dangle Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Add a touch of dazzling elegance to your jewelry collection with the Kenneth Jay Lane pave clear cubic zirconia crystal dangle floral earrings...
Crystal
CZ By Kenneth Jay Lane Glittering Flowers Danglig Cubic Zirconia Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Extravagant pair of earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane, featuring clear cubic zirconia crystals and strands of genuine pearls. Cubic Zirconia line by KJL. Hallmarks: KLane
Crystal, Zircon
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Lapis Lazuli and Coral Art Deco Dangling Clip On Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Stylish art deco-style earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane. Each earring features a faux lapis lazuli and coral cabochon, accented with crystals. All set in gold-plated metal. Hallmarks: K...
Gold Plate
CZ by Kenneth Jay Lane Amethyst Crystal Drop Earrings with Bow Motifs, Post Back
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Cubic Zirconia by Kenneth Jay Lane P/8 Cttw oval with bow drop earrings . Each earring features two amethyst cubic zirconia crystals accented with clear crystals. Post backs. Cubic ...
Crystal, Amethyst
Kenneth Jay Lane Cubiz Zirconia Laurel Dramatic Dangle Drop Double Earrings, KJL
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Marquise and round clear cubic zirconia crystals create this dazzling drop design worthy of a red carpet event. Dangle earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane. CZ by Kenneth Jay Lane line. Rh...
Zircon, Rhodium
Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal Paste and Amythest Cabochon Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Large, early Kenneth Jay Lane earrings of faux amythest cabochons surrounded by crystal pastes. Large and striking in scale, further embellished with fr...
Gilt Metal
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Dangling Cluster Turquoise and Faux Pearl Bead Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Stylish pair of cluster earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane. Add some glamour to any style with these gold-plated earrings decorated with faux turquoise and pearl beads. Hallmarks: Kenneth...
Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane Paste and Milk Cab Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Large early Kenneth Jay Lane earrings of milk glass cabochons surrounded by pastes. Large and striking in scale. Clip back fittings.1960's USA. 4" x 1.5". Excellent condition.
Gilt Metal
Kenneth Jay Lane Pave Swirl Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Early and large K.J.L. pendant earrings from the 1960's of pave ropes in swirl pattern. Clip back fittings strikingly set into blackened metal. 1960's USA. 2.75" x 1.75". Excellent...
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Glass Crystal Pearl Enamel Abstract Link Dangling Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A pair of abstract dangling post earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane. Feature black enamel, prong-set crystals, and dangling faux pearls. For those who like making a statement with their ac...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Dangling Cluster Faux Lapis Lazuli and Pearl Bead Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Stylish pair of cluster earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane. Add some glamour to any style with these gold-plated earrings decorated with faux lapis lazuli and pearl...
Gold Plate
K.J.L. Neptuna for Laguna Suite in Box
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane faux pearl 4 strand necklace and drop earrings with faux turquoise, lapis and crystal pastes. Substantial Webb style necklace with large pendant and faux pearl drop clip earrings...
Gilt Metal
Vintage clip-on earrings sign. K.J.L. Rhodium with rhinestones, faux pear 1960s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Stuttgart, DE
A very nice pair of ear clip designed by Kenneth Jay Lane. At the top is a faux pearl bordered with small rhinestones , attached to it s a beautiful medaillon with a large cut rhine...
Crystal, Rhodium
Early K.J.L. Hammered Gold and Crystal Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Attractive Early K.J.L. Hammered Gold and Crystal Earrings from the 1960's. Large scale clip earrings in gilt metal and faceted lucite made t...
Gilt Metal
Kenneth Jay Lane Ruby Amythest Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Early K.J.L earring from the late 1960's with tonal rhinestones in iridescent ruby, amythest surrounding a unusual enamel cabochon. Clip back fittings. 1960'...
Kenneth Jay Lane Door Knocker Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane Door Knocker Earrings from the 1980's. Done in the David Webb style of hammered gilt metal with cabochons of faux gems. Clip back fittings. 1960's USA. 2" high x 1.5...
Gilt Metal
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Canary Crystal Double Oval Framed Drop Earrings in Silver
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
This dramatic and dazzling drop design sparkles with canary and clear cubic zirconia crystals. From Kenneth Jay Lane's CZ collection. Rhodium Plated Brass. Post with Friction. Tags...
Zircon, Rhodium
Kenneth Jay Lane Black Plated Flower Crystal Dangle Clip On Earrings, KJL
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Black plated flower crystal clip on dangle earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane. Accessorize with some striking black and white contrast! Hallmarks: KJL
Crystal
KJL Earring of Emeralds and Pastes
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Faux Emerald and paste set dramatic earring by Kenneth Jay Lane circa 1960s. 2.5" x 1.25"
Excellent condition with clip back fittings.
K.J.L. Rare Architectural Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Oversized Kenneth Jay Lane long architectural mobile earring of darkened silvered metal and white glass faceted stones. 3.5" long x 3". USA 1960s. Excellent condition
Gilt Metal
CZ Kenneth Jay Lane Rose Gold Crystal Dangle Earrings, Prong Set Cubic Zirconia
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Illuminate your look with the CZ by Kenneth Jay Lane crystal dangle earrings. These stunning earrings feature prong-set cubic zirconia that glisten with a clear brilliance, complemented by the warm, blush hues of the rose gold tone. The dangle design, approximately 1.75 inches long (roughly 4.45 cm), offers a graceful movement that catches the light and the eyes of admirers. Perfect for both day-to-night...
Crystal
W 1.4 in L 3.5 in
Yves Saint Laurent Gilt Fretwork Earrings
By Robert Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Dramatic Yves Saint Laurent Gilt Fretwork Earrings with clip back fittings accented with pink and crystal accents. Long striking size. 1990's France. 3.5" x 1.4"
Gilt Metal
9.40 Carat Ametrine Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ametrine, Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Drop Earrings! These Earrings definitely have a WOW factor! Flashing a vivid color of yellow and purple the vibrant Emerald Cut Ametrine sits between Yellow Sapphires and Diamond accents. Item Specs: 2 Ametrine (Cushion cut stone) = 8.03 carats 48 Yellow Sapphires (Round Cut) = 1.16 carats 18 Diamonds (Round Brilliant Cut) = 0.21 carats (Clarity: SI2, Color: F) Total Carat Weight of the Ring = 9.40 carats 14KY Gold = 5.4 grams Length of Earrings: Approx: 1.25 inches Fun Facts about Ametrines: The ametrine stone is golden yellow and purple, something that happens when citrine and amethyst stones come into contact to form one crystal. This also gives the stone its name, derived from AMEthyst and ciTRINE. It is also referred to as bolivianite, trystine, bicolor quartz, bicolor amethyst...
Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
H 3.25 in W 2.5 in L 3.25 in
VIntage 1970's Brass Sculptural Heart Clip On Dangle Earrings , 3.25"
Located in North Miami, FL
These studio vintage 1970's brutalist brass clip on earrings are so sculptural! Their hand crafted form is the shape of a heart. They have a hand crafted look and feel to them. The t...
Brass
1.47 Carats Sapphire Diamond Gold Dangle Earrings
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
The earrings are 18K White Gold There are 0.80 Carats In Diamonds F/G VS/SI There are 1.47 Carats In Blue Sapphires The round sapphires are prong set in a double square halo The earr...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
W 0.31 in L 1.46 in
1960s Diamond and Cultured Pearl Platinum Drop Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive pair of 0.70 carat diamond and cultured pearl, platinum and 18 karat white gold drop earrings; part of our diverse pearl estate jewelry collections. These fine and imp...
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
W 0.75 in L 1.75 in
Carved Blue Topaz and Diamond Dangle Drop Earrings
Located in Nantucket, MA
Stunning blue topaz stones carved with a leaf pattern surrounded on one side by diamond baguettes and on the other round, brilliant cut diamonds in a pave` setting with a rhodium bac...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Sterling Silver
W 0.75 in L 2.3 in
1950s Design Joseff Of Hollywood Gold Cherub Earrings
By Joseff of Hollywood
Located in London, GB
This exquisite 1950s design is by costume jeweller to the stars, Joseff of Hollywood. This set of figural earrings features a cherub with a small clear crystal in the hand reaching ...
Mallary Marks Briolette Aquamarine Tanzanite Earrings 22k 18k Gold Blue Stone
Located in McLeansville, NC
These lovely gemstone drop earrings are a Mallary Marks design. Gem: Natural Aquamarine - 9.6 x 10 mm, Pear Shape Briolette Cut, Light Blue Color, Heat ...
Aquamarine, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
W 0.88 in L 1.14 in
Robert Wander 18K Semi Baroque South Sea Pearl and Diamond Earrings
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This very versatile pair of late-20th century 18K yellow gold designer fashion earrings is set with two 13.5mm semi-baroque South Sea pearls surrounded by a line of brilliant cut dia...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
10.56Carat GRS Certified Blue Sapphires and Diamond Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A gorgeous pair of earrings, it features two unheated blue sapphire briolettes weighing 10.56 carat, with six white diamond beads and two fancy cut white diamonds weighing a total of...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1950's Fred Leighton Yellow Gold, Citrine & Rock Crystal Dangle Earrings
By Fred Leighton
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The earrings are made out of 18 karat yellow gold, detailed with citrine and rock crystal, featuring heart motif and clip on style. Made in France. Weight 74.4 Gra...
Citrine, Rock Crystal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
H 2.96 in W 0.91 in
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Jewelled Dangle Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage dangle gold tone earrings (clip on) embellished with multicolored enamel and crystals. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : max. height...
Gilt Metal
W 1.58 in D 0.4 in L 3.5 in
Vintage early K.J.L. dangling clip-on earring, coral cabochon and strass, 1960s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Early K.J.L. dangling clip-on earring, coral Cabochon and strass, signed 1960 with dots between K.J.L "They glitter, they dazzle, they fool the eye, but one thing is certain: they ar...
Base Metal
W 1.75 in L 3 in
Kennth Jay Lane Jeweled Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Get your hands on this elegant but youthful pair of earrings! No one will be able to resist complimenting you on these intricate adornments! Spice up any outfit by adding these fully...
Interchangeable Enamel Animal Door Knocker Earrings By Kennth Jay Lane, 1990s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 1.5" x 1.2" - Gold plated - Enamel detail - Three sets of interchangeable enamel animal print design...
Enamel
Kenneth Jay Lane 1960s Embellished Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Add some sparkle to your look with these Kenneth Jay Lane earrings! Circa 1960s, these gun metal dangle earrings feature a center rhinestone triangle with free hanging rows of faux pearls. Clip-on back closures stamped KJL. A true pair of vintage history...
Kenneth Jay Lane 1960s Embellished Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Add some sparkle to your look with these Kenneth Jay Lane earrings! Circa 1960s, these gun metal dangle earrings feature a center rhinestone triangle with free hanging rows of faux pearls. Clip-on back closures stamped KJL. A true pair of vintage history...
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Multicolor Jelly Cabochon Gold Bezel Drop Dangle Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Stylish Kenneth Jay Lane earrings, featuring opaque green, red, and blue cabochons set in open-back gold-plated bezels. Hallmarks: KJL, China
Gold Plate
W 1.75 in D 0.25 in L 3.25 in
Kenneth Jay Lane 1980s Gold & Rhinestone Girandole Chandelier Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
An elegant pair of 1980s Kenneth Jay Lane Girandole chandelier earrings in gold, rhinestone and black crystal. Girandole earrings have a central piece from which three pendants hang ...
Gold Plate
W 1.38 in D 0.8 in L 2.75 in
Kenneth Jay Lane 1980s Satin Gold Hoop Pendant earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Lane 1980s satin gold tone pear shape pendant hoop earrings with oval white cabochons. Each earring is 1.38 inches wide and 2.75 inches long. The top...
Gold Plate
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Emerald Teardrop Crystal Clip on Dangling Silver Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A pair of dangling clip on earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane. Each two teardrop-shaped emerald-colored crystals prong set in open back silver settings. Reflects an elegant, translucent gr...
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Peridot Cubic Zirconia Drop Dangle Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Add some sparkle to your outfit with these gold plated drop earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane. Clear and green peridot cubic zirconia crystals. Post back. Marks/Hallmarks: KJL CZ by Ke...
Zircon, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
W 0.58 in L 1.35 in
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Pear Amethyst Cubic Zirconia Delicate Dangle Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Add some sparkle to your outfit with these gold plated pear dangle earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane. Clear and purple amethyst cubic zirconia crystals. Lever hook closure. Marks/Hallma...
Zircon, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Kenneth Jay Lane Drop Amethyst Aquamarine Cubic Zirconia Flower Dangle Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Add some floral sparkle to your outfit with these dangle flower earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane! Clear, rose, aquamarine, and amethyst cubic zirconia crystals. Lever hook closure. Mar...
Zircon