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 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 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.
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 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'...
$328Sale Price|20% Off
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 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 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
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
$238Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
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
$160Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
$196Sale Price|20% Off
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
$412Sale Price|20% Off
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 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 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
$224Sale Price|20% Off
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
$224Sale Price|20% Off
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. 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
$3,092 / item
W 0.6 in D 0.03 in L 0.94 in
Alex Jona 18 Karat Yellow Gold Geometric Dangle Clip-On Earring Pendants
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold clip-on pendant earrings consisting of two partially overlapping pierced squares. Alex Jona jewels stand ou...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Topaz Multifaceted 18k Gold Dangle Earrings with Pavé of Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Topaz Multifaceted 18 Karat Rose Gold Dangle Earrings with pavé of diamonds Pair of earrings weight total gold 2.5gr and measure 22mm or 0.75 inches Topazes are 4,00ct each and pavé...
Diamond, Topaz, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Meghna Jewels 14K Gold Blue Sapphire & Diamond Drop Earrings, 15.37ct
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 14-karat gold, these stunning baguette diamond drop earrings are hand set with 15.37 carats blue sapphire and 4.43 carats of glittering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS sto...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Retro Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Darnestown, MD
Retro earrings of two circular discs. The top one measures half an inch in diameter; the bottom one is 1 5/16". Clip backs can be converted to posts. The earrings have been professi...
14k Gold
Dominique Aurientis Orange and Gold Hand Painted Earrings 1980s, New Never worn
Located in Wallkill, NY
Another stunning creation by Parisian Artisan Dominique Aurientis. ** .82 in or 21mm Dangling Beads Clip-on earrings **The necklace, bracelet are listed on our store front as well. D...
Nudo Earrings in 18 Karat Rose Gold, Diamonds and Topaz
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Nudo Earrings in 18 Karat Rose Gold, Diamonds and Topaz Gold finishes in Yellow, Rose or White 18k Gold Eaarrings weight total 7,2gr and measure 22mm or 0.75 inches Diamonds 0,22 ...
Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
Previously-owned Bulgari Sapphire and Diamond earrings. The pair of earrings is 1.5 inches in length, made of 18K white gold and platinum, and weighs ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
JAR Gilt-Metal Pendant Ear Clips
By JAR
Located in New York, NY
These JAR ear clips feature gilt metal elongated pendants in a hammered finish with ear clips. 4 5/8 inch length. Signed JAR Paris. French assay and wor...
Gilt Metal
Multifaceted Nudo Blue London Topaz in 18k Gold Dangle Earrings
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
This pair of earrings weight total 5.9gr and measure 22mm or 0.75 inches Topaz are 4,00ct each Also in other Gems, Lemmon Quatz, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Milky Quartz, green quartz Pl...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
18K Gold Drop Earrings with 10.24ct Opal & 3.79ct Diamonds
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, these exquisite drop earrings are set with 10.24 carats Opal Doublet and 3.79 carats of glimmering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to vie...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Vintage Gold Plated Sculptural Clip On Dangle Earrings
Located in North Miami, FL
These handsome vintage gold-plated dangle earrings make a statement. They are very au courant now. They are for the 80's. They are clip on's and have some texture to them. Sculptural.
EDOUARD RAMBAUD Vintage Heart Dangle Earrings
By Edouard Rambaud
Located in Nice, FR
EDOUARD RAMBAUD vintage gold tone heart dangle earrings (clip-on) embellished with resin faux pearls. Embossed EDOUARD RAMBAUD Paris. Indicative measurements : max. height approx. ...
Gilt Metal
Emerald and 22 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
By Pamela Farland
Located in New York, NY
Emerald has been a source of fascination and reverence in many cultures for over six thousand years, sold in the markets of Babylon as early as 4,000 B.C. They have soothed and exite...
Emerald, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,800 / item
W 0.79 in L 3.63 in
Handmade 18K Gold & Silver Tassel Earrings, 8.4ct Ruby, 4.77ct Diamond
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These stunning tassel earrings are handmade in 18-karat gold & sterling silver. It is set in 8.4 carats ruby, 5.3 carats sapphire, pearl and 4.77 carats of glittering diamonds. FO...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Mings Gold Carved Phoenix Clip on Earrings with Dangly Pearl in 14k
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 8.8 Grams Pearl: Akoya Pearls Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Condition: Preowned 100% Authentic. Please ...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Sold
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
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...
Sold
W 0.69 in L 2.56 in
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
Sold
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
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
Sold
W 0.75 in L 2.13 in
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
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
Sold
W 0.66 in L 2.68 in
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
Kenneth Jay Lane Silver Jonquil Cubic Zirconia Drop Dangle Earrings, Deco Style
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Add some sparkle to your outfit with these Art-Deco style silver tone drop earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane. Clear and jonquil cubic zirconia crystals. Post backs. Marks/Hallmarks: KJL...
Zircon
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Plume Feather Link Clip on Earrings, Contemporary, KJL
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A pair of golden plume earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane, each featuring two linked golden feathers. Hallmarks: KJL Gold plated.
Crystal, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane Metallic Drop Clip Cabochon Statement Earrings, Contemporary
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
These circle-drop clip-on earrings feature metallic gray cabochons and crystals for a big and bold look! By Kenneth Jay Lane. Hallmarks: KJL, China
Crystal