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.
1990s Yves Saint Laurent Gold and Emerald Crystal Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
These late 1980s to 1990s Yves Saint Laurent earrings are made from a gold-tone base metal and crafted to a curved half-hoop shape with careful engraved detailing. They are each set ...
1950s Trifari Teardrop Gemstone and Gold Spiral Earrings
By Trifari
Located in London, GB
These vintage Crown Trifari clip-on earrings were designed by Alfred Philippe and date to 1947-1952. They are fashioned in the form of a swirling vine with the diamantés representing...
1990s Large Ciner Blister Pearl Clip Earrings
By Ciner
Located in London, GB
Wow, when we first looked at these, we thought they were high-end jewellery, such is the quality from the fabulous American designer Ciner. The company, which closed in 2022, was th...
1980s Kalinger Gold and Blue Gemstone Clip On Earrings
By Kalinger
Located in London, GB
These incredible chunky earrings were designed in the late 1980s by Kalinger, a high-end French costume jewellery brand founded by Catherine and Laurent Martinez. The company’s theat...
Barrera 1990s Pearlescent Floral Clip on Earrings
By Jose and Maria Barrera
Located in London, GB
1990s floral pearlescent earrings by high end American designers Jose and Marie Barrera. These showcase a large faux pearlescent centre surrounded by a gold ring of seed pearls and finished with real mother of pearlescent petals. All their jewellery is mounted in 24 ct gold plating and these are super quality. In excellent vintage condition. Taken from the designer's website: Jose and Maria started their business in the early 1980’s. They moved to New York City from South Texas after destiny brought a NYC actress to the University of Texas where she spotted José’s first jewelry piece, which was on display at a student exhibition and she decided she had to have it. She met the couple and purchased the necklace. Returning to NYC she wore the necklace to a party where it was seen by Alexander Leiberman of Vogue who then asked to use it in a photo shoot. "The necklace" inspired Diana Vreeland to commission the iconic photograph by Irving Penn on Marisa Berenson in Vogue’s 1970...
1960s French Couture Silver and Gold Figure of 8 Clip On Earrings
Located in London, GB
These elaborate 1960s French couture earrings are crafted from twisting rows of beads. Alternately silver-toned and gold-toned beads are placed in a figure of 8 formation, curving ar...
MAZ 14K Gold Turbo Shell and Emerald Modernist Earrings, c.1970s
By Maz
Located in Miami, FL
Bold and sculptural modernist earrings by the American maker MAZ, crafted in 14K yellow gold and designed with dramatic carved turbo shell forms. Each earring is accented with bezel-...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kenneth Jay Lane 1990's Pearl & Green Rhinestone Clip-on Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Kenneth Jay Lane 1990's Pearl & Green Rhinestone Clip-on Earrings. These earrings are in excellent vintage condition and are a palladium tone. The pearls are ivory and grey while the...
Sandra Miller Burrows 1980s Gold Tone Green Gem Pearl Clip On Earrings
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Indulge in the glamorous vintage chic of the Sandra Miller Burrows 1980s Gold Tone Green Gem Pearl Clip-On Earrings. These stunning clip-on earrings feature an emerald green stone at the center, surrounded by a yellow gold plated flower petal-like border. Complete with faux pearls as the finishing touch, these earrings are a glamorous pop of green that is super reminiscent of the 1980s. The combination of the vibrant emerald green stone and the intricate gold-plated design creates a captivating visual impact. The flower petal-like border adds a touch of elegance, while the faux pearls enhance the overall glamour of these vintage-inspired earrings. Designed for comfort and style, these clip-on earrings are the perfect accessory for those who appreciate the timeless beauty of vintage fashion. The bold green hue adds a statement pop of color, making these earrings a versatile choice for both special occasions and everyday wear. Pair these with a Giorgio Armani dress, a Bulgari choker and a Judith Lieber clutch...
KRAMER signed vintage gold ton emerald glass pearls designer clip on earrings
By Kramer
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KRAMER • gold tone with rhinestones, glass and faux pearls • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal s...
Vintage French Gold Green Stone Faux Pearl Dangle Earrings, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage French Gold with Green and Dangling Faux Pearl Earrings Circa 1980s. These earrings are entirely in the style of Chanel and are exceptionally well-made. The Green faceted stone is surrounded by a quilted, darker gold tone, reminiscent of the House of Chanel...
Mixed Metal
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Green Enamel Shell Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Green Enamel Shell Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold. Each earring is accented by two brilliant round diamonds. The earring...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
