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.
Keneth Jay Lane K.J.L. 1960s "Treasures of the Duchess" Emerald Green Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane's "Treasure of the Duchess" necklace in emeral green crystal from the 1960s. Originally produced in 1965 in various colors of all red and the more common light blue ...
Crystal, Brass
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Ornate Colorful Crystal Kaleidoscope Collar Necklace in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Kaleidoscope necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane. Famous whimsical KJL designs linked together to form a dazzling statement necklace! Colorful dragonfly, butterfly, coral, seashell, monkey, bow, flower, ladybug, and spider motifs. The motifs are linked together, so they can move in relation to each other for a perfect fit. Features faceted crystals, open back cabochons, and faux pearls. This piece features clear...
Crystal, 22k Gold, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane Huge "Red Apple" With Rhinestones Pendant & Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane's wonderfully whimsical huge "Red Apple" encrusted with rhinestones on the leaf, hangs comfortably on a 34 inch length of polished gilded gold hardware rope-chain ne...
Kenneth Jay Lane Rock Crystal Chain
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Early Kenneth Jay Lane Rock Crystal Chain belt which can also be used as a necklace as well . Faux faceted rock crystal cabs in resin are set into c...
Gilt Metal
$304Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Multicolor Jelly Cabochon Gold Bezel Link Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A stylish Kenneth Jay Lane necklace, featuring opaque green, red, and blue cabochons set in open-back gold-plated bezels. 43.5 cm Length + 7 cm extension chain Hallmarks: KJL, China
Gold Plate
$412Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Floral Gold Crystal and Faux Pearl Leaf Link Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
An extravagant necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane! Features flower-branch motif links, accented with clear Swarovski crystals and glass pearls. Set on g...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Wonderful, Early K.J.L Faux Coral Link Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful, early Kenneth Jay Lane Faux Coral Necklace from the 1960's. Made in a bold 1960's Bulgari style in tones of faux pink and red coral set in gilt metal. Huge high cab, faux pink coral cabochons are surrounded by faux red coral stones with pave accents and "X" connectors. Wonderful quality and striking scale. Massive necklaces...
Gilt Metal
1980s Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace, Earring and Bracelet Set
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Fabulous 1980s Kenneth Jay Lane earring, necklace and bracelet suite of jewelry. All three feature large, ribbed gold tone metal x's linked together...
Gilt Metal
Signed Kenneth Jay Lane Huge Cream Lucite Heart & Gold Tone Link Chain
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane, who recently left us, created this wonderful elegant huge cream lucite heart is signed accented with a gold tone link necklace. The heart measures 1 6/8"...
Alex Jona 18 Karat Yellow Gold Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona Design Collection, Hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold link chain necklace. Dimension : L 17.72 in X W 0.30 in - L 45 cm X W 7.6 mm - Weight 18.4 gr Alex Jona jew...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Zodiac Diamond Necklace 14K Yellow Gold 1/5 CT TDW Gifts for Her, Libra
Located in Great neck, NY
Express your mystical soul by wearing your Zodiac sign! These beautiful Zodiac Necklaces are crafted of 14K Yellow Gold and features approximately 0.21 carats (depends on zodiac) of ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Eighteen-Karat Gold & Silver Pendant "Poseidon's Trident" by Zolotas
By Zolotas
Located in New York, NY
This stunning pendant was realized by the illustrious Greek jewelry atelier Zolotas and handmade in France, circa 1970. It consists of 18k yellow gold...
Gold, 18k Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Diamond Cut Two-Tone Gold Chain
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Long Gold Chain The chain is 14K/18K White Gold & Rose Gold The chain is 30" long and The chain weighs 10.9 grams
Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Italian 10k Rosy Yellow Gold 23" Flat Curb Cuban Link Chain Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 10k Rosy Yellow Gold Weight: 20.32 Grams Chain Type: 23" - Flat Curb Cuban Link - Lobster Claw Clasp Link Thickness: 2mm (approx.) Link Width: 6.9mm (approx.) Hallma...
Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Christian Dior Mitchel Maer Turquoise Blue Necklace
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
1950s necklace by Mitchel Maer for Christian Dior and fully signed to the reverse in an oval cartouche. This is one of the more well known designs and essential for any collectors o...
Base Metal
Vintage 1990s 14 Karat Yellow and White Gold S-Link Necklace
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1990’s 14K Yellow and White Gold S Link Necklace - The Italian made 2-tone gold necklace has alternating yellow gold modern S links connected b...
14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Beautiful Personalized Engraved Gold Circle Pendant and Chain
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Engraved Gold Circle Pendant and Chain. This is a wonderful personalized graduation gift or memento of a special occasion. The Front can be engraved with a Single initial or Monogram, or a date or a school logo. The back of the pendant can also be engraved with a special date or saying. The pendant measures 3/4" across and is available in 14kt or 18kt gold. The price listed is for the 14kt pendant...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1990s 14 Karat Yellow Gold Wide Herringbone Necklace
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1990’s 14K Yellow Gold Wide Herringbone Necklace - The Italian made herringbone necklace is 8mm wide and 20 inches long and features a large lobster...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold White Opal and Single Cut Diamond Pendant and Pearl Enhancer
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage 14kt White Gold White Opal and Single Cut Diamond Pendant and Pearl Enhancer. Excellent Condition. This pendant is 29 mm in diameter accented with bead set single cut diamond...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
RUCHI Alternating Mixed-Shape Ruby and Diamond Rose Gold Bar Necklace
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K Rose Gold Ruby - 1.48 Cts Diamond - 0.45 Cts All Diamonds are G/ H-SI
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1990s 14 Karat Yellow Gold Italian Wide Panther Link Necklace
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1990's 14K Yellow Gold Italian Wide Panther Link Necklace - The Italian made necklace is 12.6mm wide and 16 inches long and features a hi...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Kenneth Jay Lane Roman Coin Necklace and Earring Set
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Kenneth Jay Lane necklace and earring set from the 1980s. Gold tone tobugas necklace with a large hexagonal set Roman style coin in the centre and two black enamel details on either side. Secure latch clasp. The clip on earrings match the centre of the necklace and are hexagonal with black enamel trim and a Roman style face coin...
Gilt Metal
Rare Kenneth Jay Lane Large Showpiece Gilded Polished Gold Hardware Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Rare Kenneth Jay Lane large 'Showpiece' gilded polished gold hardware necklace measures 18 1/2 inches in total length. Wide of the chain-links measur...
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Satin Gold Flower Necklace, Crystal and White Pearl Centers
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Glowing feminine beauty! This satin gold flower collar necklace with crystal and white faux pearl centers elevates any look with sparkling, blooming flowers cast in a golden gleam. ...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane 1980s Art Deco Revival Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
A lovely and impressive example of the artistry of American fashion jewelry designer Kenneth Jay Lane. The necklace was produced in the mid 1980s and is an Art Deco inspired design. ...
Enamel, Rhodium, Base Metal
Sold
W 0.63 in D 0.25 in L 32.5 in
Kenneth Jay Lane 1970 / 1980s Egyptian Revival Scarab Link Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Dating from the late half of the 1970s to the mid 1980s is this unusual and rare Kenneth Jay Lane scarab link long necklace. Due to the popularity of the contents and artifacts of the King Tutankhamon exhibition that toured the world from 1972 to 1981, Egyptian iconography appeared in all forms of design in home decor and fashion. Kenneth Lane created several Egyptian revival pieces of jewelry including this long necklace. Each oval link is cast in the form of an Egyptian scarab, a symbol of the sun god Re and good luck. The scarab links are domed with the larger measuring .63 of an inch wide and 1.5 inches long including the top and bottom rings and .25 of an inch high. The smaller scarab link is .44 of an inch wide and 1.19 inches long including the top and bottom rings. The necklace measures 32.5 inches long and has and hook and ring clasp. On the ring of the clasp is the oval signature tag or charm inscribed with Kenneth Lane and a copyright symbol. The gold plate is a rich yellow gold in very good condition with very minimal to almost no wear. The last photo show a second Kenneth Jay Lane Egypt...
Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Lion Doorknocker Pendant Chain Link Necklace in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Bold stylish lion pendant necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane. Features textured golden links decorated with lions' heads on each side. The pendant lion's head holds a door-knocker style ri...
Gold Plate
1980s Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Faux Lapis Cabochon Gilded Statement Necklace, Signed
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in McKinney, TX
- 30" length - Gold plated - This item has a nice heft to it - Bezel set faux lapis cabochons - Hidden box clasp closure - Signed KJL near clasp - By Kenneth Jay Lane - Circa 1980s - Excellent vintage condition PROVENANCE: From the estate of a Manhattan socialite, whose highly curated collection of vintage costume and designer jewelry was accumulated over several decades of opulent adventures. During her heyday in the 1970s and 1980s, she carefully acquired unique statement pieces from coveted high-end designer labels like Chanel, Givenchy, Karl Lagerfeld, YSL, Christian Lacroix, Dior and more. Her eye for quality and penchant for oversized bijoux make this collection truly unique. Every item from this elite collection is a piece of design history and an investment quality work of wearable art. True lovers of the finest vintage costume and runway jewelry...
Kenneth Jay Lane Ornate Colorful Crystal Kaleidoscope Collar Necklace in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Kaleidoscope necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane. Famous whimsical KJL designs linked together to form a dazzling statement necklace! Colorful dragonfly, butterfly, coral, seashell, monkey,...
Crystal, 22k Gold, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Big Jewel Link Collar Necklace, Contemporary, KJL
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Big bold jewels sit in open-back gold-plated settings in this colorful Kenneth Jay Lane necklace! Crystals: Ruby, Sapphire, Amethyst, Emerald Gold plated. Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: ...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Satin Gold Flower Necklace, Crystal and White Pearl Centers
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Glowing feminine beauty! This satin gold flower collar necklace with crystal and white faux pearl centers elevates any look with sparkling, blooming flowers cast in a golden gleam. ...
Crystal, Gold Plate
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Knotted Textured Bow Link Statement Necklace, Modern
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Bright gold-plated threads are tied into knotted bow links on this stylish Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace. Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: Kenneth © Lane, Made in USA Length: 17 3/8 in / 44 cm ...
22k Gold, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Link Necklace 18K Gold Plate, Faux Tortoiseshell Amber
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
An extravagant link necklace from Kenneth Jay Lane! Features tortoiseshell resin and textured golden rings. A chic necklace for daytime or evening wear. Toggle clasp. Hallmarks: KJL
Gold Plate