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 Silver Polished Cocktail Statement Ring, KJL, Contemporary
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A flashy, polished silver, statement ring. Add a perfect touch of silver glow with this ring from Kenneth Jay Lane! Silvertone. Adjustable sizes 5 to 8.5 Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: ...
Silver
Kenneth J Lane KJL Yellow Star Cocktail Ring, Enamel & Crystals Gold Tone Sz 4-8
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Add a splash of sunshine to your ensemble with this Kenneth Jay Lane cocktail ring. This vibrant piece boasts a radiant yellow enamel setting, adorned with gold star accents that eac...
Crystal, Enamel
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Flower Faux Pearl Cocktail Ring, Salmon Coral Enamel, KJL
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Floral elegance by Kenneth Jay Lane! A cocktail ring featuring a flower, painted in salmon coral enamel and accented with a single faux pearl. Adjustable sizes 4.5 to 8 US Gold pla...
Pearl, 22k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Kenneth Jay Lane Lucite Ribbed Dome Cocktail Vintage Modernist Ring
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Rome, IT
Kenneth Jay Lane Lucite Ribbed Dome Cocktail Vintage Modernist Ring Domed cocktail ring for a touch of sophisticated elegance! By Kenneth Jay Lane. Sizes 8,75 US Brass, White gold ...
Quartz, Rhodium, Brass
$228Sale Price|20% Off
CZ by KJL, Cubic Zirconia Rhodium Plated Cluster Cocktail Ring, Kenneth Jay Lane
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A dazzling cocktail ring by Kenneth Jay Lane. Features a elevated prong-set centerpiece cubic zirconia in sapphire blue, surrounded by clear pear shaped zirconia gems. Smaller crysta...
Zircon
$720Sale Price|23% Off
Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane Cocktail Ring USA 1960/70s USA size 5.3
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Stuttgart, DE
An elegant and very rare Cocktail ring designed by Kennet Jay Lane in the 1970s. It's lucky to find a ring like this! A lot of brooches and chains were made during this period, bu...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane Cocktail Ring USA 1960/70s USA size 5.2
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Stuttgart, DE
An elegant and very rare Cocktail ring designed by Kennet Jay Lane in the 1970s. It's lucky to find a ring like this! A lot of brooches and chains were made during this period, but hardly any rings! It is beautifully worked with the large light purple colored cut big rhinestone in the center. The body of the ring is enameled, diamond-filled with small rhinestones. Inside not singed, but it is the same ring like the green ons with K.J.L.. the old Signatur, and gold plated. Measurement: inner scope 0,50 cm, USA size 5.3 light purple stone...
Citrine, Gold Plate
Moiseikin 18 Karat Gold Mabe Pearl and Sapphire Ring
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
20mm size breath-takingly beautiful Mabe Pearl is artistically mounted in tender flower design decorated with cut blue sapphires, pink sapphires and star sapphires. The shimmer with ...
Star Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 18...
Alex Jona Black Diamond and White Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat rose gold ring, set with 0.97 carats of white diamonds and 1.82 carats of black diamonds. Size US 6, can be sized to any...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
KJL KENNETH JAY LANE signed gold tone carnelian glass Etruscan designer ring
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KJL KENNETH JAY LANE • gold tone with glass stones • vintage designer ring MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wea...
1960s Stylized Ribbed Onyx Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Highly stylized 18k ribbed yellow gold ring with a larger ribbed cut onyx center piece. US Size 6 3/4
Onyx, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s 1.17 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1960s 1.17 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold bow shaped cocktail ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive vintage diamond bow ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The bow design setting displays a feature 0.42Ct modern brilliant round cut diamond, bezel set in relief to the center. The flared setting is embellished with twenty eight diamonds, channel set in a combination of baguette and tapered baguette cuts. The subtly elevated, flared ring shoulders integrate with the main setting and meld seamlessly with the plain ring shank. The ring is hallmarked to the outer surface of the shank, however this is worn and illegible in keeping with age and therefore the ring has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18k gold. This vintage 1960s cocktail ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading certificate for the feature diamond in addition to an independent diamond grading report card for the supporting stones. Images do not always reflect the true color and brilliance of gemstones and diamonds. The video however provides a truer representation of the actual color and showcases each stone. Condition This impressive vintage bow ring...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
1900s Antique Diamond and Pearl Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.30 carat diamond and seed pearl, 18 karat rose gold, silver set cocktail ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive antique pearl and diamond ring...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
David Webb White Enamel Ruby Yellow Gold Diamond Snake Ladies Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The coiled snake applied with white enamel scales, the head, and tail set with round diamonds weighing approximately .75 carat, the eyes set with cabocho...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Bvlgari 18K White Gold Mother of Pearl Illusion Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Matching ring to the pair of earrings from our stock. This is a ring from Bvlgari, encrusted with diamonds, mounted with grey mother of pearl makes a perfect gift for a mother, anniv...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold 8.00 Cttw Diamond Dome Cocktail Fashion Ring
Located in New York, NY
Lovely ring from 1990's crafted in 18K Yellow Gold 8.00cttw Diamond Dome Cocktail Fashion Ring. Made for a larger finger size with about 20mm in top width this ring makes a lovely co...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Red Spinel and 1.02 Carat Sapphire Yellow Gold Twist Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive 0.68 carat red spinel and 1.02 carat blue sapphire, 18 karat yellow gold and 18 karat white gold set twist ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This fine and impressive antique spinel ring...
Spinel, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Chopard White Gold Sapphire & Diamond Ring 82/7059-1110
By Chopard
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A sensational 18k white gold sapphire and diamond ring by Chopard. The ring features a heart motif set left of centre encasing a single floating round brilliant cut diamond weighing ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
AJD Crossover Amethyst and Sterling Ring February Birthstone
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
Handmade Sterling Silver & Amethyst Pinky Ring – February Birthstone Delight! Enhance your jewelry collection with this handmade Sterling Silver and Amethyst ring, specially desi...
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Gold Tone Turquoise-Like Resin Ring
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Flushing, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Gold Tone Turquoise-Like Resin Ring Marked: K.J.L Approximate Dimensions: 7 (Size) 2 cm (Width) 22.2 grams in weight.
Gold
Kenneth J Lane KJL Pave Crystal Disco Ball Cocktail Ring, Silver Tone Sz 4-8
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Elevate your evening attire with the Kenneth J Lane Disco Ball cocktail ring. This exquisite piece features a dazzling display of pave-set crystals that catch the light from every an...
Crystal
Kenneth Jay Lane Monkey Gold Ring Kenneth Jay Lane Monkey Gold Ring Kenneth Jay
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milano, IT
Kenneth Jay Lane Monkey Gold Ring is adaptable inside, inspired by the world of animals. White rhinestones, Hamilton gold American pewter casting. STATE OF PRESERVATION Good conditi...
KENNETH JAY LANE silver crystal bee gold octopus statement ring X2
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Hong Kong, NT
KENNETH JAY LANE silver crystal bee gold octopus statement ring X2 Reference: ANWU/A00306 Brand: Kenneth Jay Lane Material: Metal Color: Gold, Black Pattern: Animal Print Closure: Pu...
Gold, Silver
70s Massive Red & Turquoise Resin Statement Ring (Size 6.5) By Kenneth Jay Lane
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '70s - Extremely rare, hard to find design - Ring size 6.5 (US) - Gold plated - Cherry red lucite - Faux Turquoise ...
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Plated Faux Coral Crystal Starfish Bombé Cocktail Ring
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in London, GB
Beautiful Kenneth Jay Lane gold plated bombé cocktail ring, set with pale and dark faux coral stones, and embellished with a lovely crystal starfish. Ring size UK N, US 6 1/2, but wi...
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Flower Crystal Cocktail Ring, Salmon Coral Enamel, KJL
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Floral elegance by Kenneth Jay Lane! A cocktail ring featuring a flower, painted in salmon coral enamel and accented with a single crystal center. Adjustable sizes 4.5 to 8 US Gold...
Crystal, 22k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Polished Cocktail Statement Ring, KJL, Contemporary
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A flashy, polished-gold, statement ring. Add a perfect touch of golden glow with this ring from Kenneth Jay Lane! Gold-plated. Adjustable sizes 5 to 8.5 Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: K...
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Kenneth Jay Lane Beige Bakelite Plastic Go Go Ring Brass Studs
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Vintage 1960's beige tone bakelite ring with brass studs made by Kenneth Jay Lane, New York. Ring is currently a finger size 6.75, is slightly adjustable and a bit out of round. Bal...
Brass
Vintage 1960s Kenneth Jay Lane Mauve Bakelite Plastic Go Go Ring Brass Studs
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Vintage 1960's mauve bakelite ring with brass studs made by Kenneth Jay Lane, New York. Ring is currently a finger size 6.5 and is slightly adjustable and a bit out of round. Ball i...
Brass
Rare Vintage 1960s Kenneth Jay Lane Bakelite Plastic Ring with Brass Studs
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare vintage 1960's bakelite ring with brass studs made by Kenneth Jay Lane, New York. Ring is a finger size 6.5 and is unsigned. Very good vintage condition with one dent on one st...
Brass
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Double Ribbed Pearl Domed Cocktail Statement Ring
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Gold shine and faux pearl on this domed cocktail ring for a touch of sophisticated flair! By Kenneth Jay Lane. Adjustable sizes 5 to 8.5 Gold plated. Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: KJL