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.
Vintage KJL KENNETH JAY LANE Asian pagoda dancers gold rhinestone designer neckl
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KJL • gold tone with rhinestones • vintage designer runway brooch MEASUREMENTS • 6 3/4" by 1 1/2" CONDITION • excellent vintage condition with minimal sign...
Gold
KENNETH LANE signed vintage massive amber resin beaded designer necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KENNETH LANE • gold tone with resin beads • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear S...
KENNETH LANE signed vintage glass pearls jewel massive beaded designer necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KENNETH LANE • gold tone with glass beads • vintage designer necklace MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear S...
Early Kenneth Jay Lane Cowrie Shell Pendant
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Early, Massive Kenneth Jay Lane Cowrie Shell Pendant Necklace from the 1960's. Huge shell mounted in signature K.J.L. coral branch gilt mounts on chain. 1960's USA. DOMESTIC SALES ONLY
Gilt Metal
Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane (KJL) Lilac Pansy Panel Collar 1980s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A beautiful delicate Vintage KJL Floral Collar with adorable pansies. The pansy symbolises the love or admiration of one person for another, the word pansy taken from the French verb...
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
Vintage Signed Kenneth Lane Gold Plated Collar Necklace Egyptian Etruscan Style
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in North Miami, FL
This early vintage fabulous gold plated collar necklace is by Kenneth Jay Lane and in the style of Egyptian Etruscan and a great nod to history. it is from the early 60's and errs mo...
Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane Antique Gold Plate Swarovski Crystal Merman Mythology Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Kenneth Jay Lane antique gold Swarovski crystal mythological merman necklace features octagonal ruby crystal centerpiece with baroque pearl drops. Luxury designer jewelry for collect...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass, Mixed Metal
Kenneth Jay Lane Jeweled Shell Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Large and rare Kenneth Jay Lane Jeweled Shell Brooch from the 1960's in the Verdura style. Although unsigned, he was known for making these prototype pieces before later casting the...
Gilt Metal
Kenneth Jay Lane Ancient Medallion Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Kenneth Jay Lane Ancient Medallion Necklace in the Moroccan style with rich gold bead spacers and long adjustable chain. 1980's USA. 25" x 2...
Gilt Metal
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Green Cabochon White Cuff Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Kenneth Jay Lane cuff bracelet. White enamel and 22KT gold plated. Green resin cabochon centerpiece accented with faux emerald, lapis lazuli, and clear crystals. ... Measurements: ...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
$280Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Green Jade Chunky Deco Bangle Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Art deco style asymmetrical style bangle bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane in luxurious faux jade. Inner circumference: 7.75 inches Inner diameter at widest part: 2.75 inches Marks / h...
$448Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal Maltese Cross, White Enamel Hinged Cuff Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane. Painted white enamel, with a stylized maltese cross motif in gold. The centerpiece features a single teal-green resin cabochon, surrounded by clear cr...
Crystal, Gold Plate
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 Pearl Necklace with Large Pearl and Rhinestone Embellishment
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Stunning and impossible to find Kennth Jay Lane seed pearl necklace with the most amazing faux baroque pearl clasp framed in gold plate and rhinestones. Can be worn in the front or back, depending on the dress. Does not get more chic than this. This necklace was from the Kenneth Lane Collection...
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
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 KJL vintage pink rhinestones flower designer clip on earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KJL KENNETH JAY LANE • silver tone with rhinestones • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • 1 1/2" by 1 1/8" CONDITION • very good vintage condition w...
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Chain Link Five Charm Bracelet, with Toggle Clasp, in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A gold-plated chain bracelet with five charms - a pair of lucky dice, cherub, an angel, a pair of shoes, and a swan. Accented with crystals and enamel, fastened with a toggle clasp. ...
Crystal, Gold Plate
KENNETH LANE vintage silver tone lions door knocker designer clip on earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KENNETH LANE • silver tone • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku A66 ❤️❤️ V...
$332Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold and Crystal Hinge Collar Necklace in Black Enamel, KJL
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Elegant spring-hinge golden collar necklace painted in black enamel and accented with two large crystals. By Kenneth Jay Lane. Old-new stock from earlier KJL collections. Wonderfull...
Crystal, Gold Plate
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Unicorn Head Brooch in Gold, Pave Crystals
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A majestic, golden-maned, ruby-eyed unicorn decorated with pave clear crystals. A stylish brooch from Kenneth Jay Lane! Hallmarks: Kenneth Lane
Crystal
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
$232Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Coral Enamel Bezel Ruby Crystal Square Clip on Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Stylish Kenneth Jay Lane earrings, featuring rose, amethyst, and ruby crystals bezel set ina orange enamel square clip on earrings. Hallmarks: KJL, Made in USA
$288Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Multi Strand Collar Necklace in Gold, Faux Pearls
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
An extravagant collar necklace from Kenneth Jay Lane! Features strands of faux pearl, mother of pearl, and lapis lazuli beads on gold link chains. Hallmarks: Kenneth Lane Length o...
Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane Laguna Pearl Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Glamorous Kenneth Jay Lane, Laguna multi strand faux pearl necklace with elaborate jeweled clasp of faux sapphires and emeralds in the...
Gilt Metal
Early Kenneth Jay Lane Pave Acorn Cuff
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional, early K.J.L Pave Acorn Link Cuff from the 1960's made in the Schlumberger style. Wide with 4 large links of pave acorns with gilt caps and leaves. 7" x 2" wide. 1960's U...
Gilt Metal
Kenneth Jay Lane Faux Pearls
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Kenneth Jay Lane Faux Pearls from the 1980's. Four strand cream faux pearls with pave Art Deco inspired clasp. Signed. 1980's USA. Lengths 15-18", 1.25" wide.
Rhodium
Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Rare Statement Flawed Sapphire Glass Earrings 1980s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Wilmslow, GB
An outstanding pair of vintage KJL Sapphire earrings oozing glamour and style. Featuring a wonderfully designed crimped gold mount of statement proportion. Set to perfection with exq...
KENNETH LANE vintage silver tone rhinestones pearl designer clip on earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KENNETH LANE • silver tone with rhinestones and faux pearl • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • 1" by 1 1/8" CONDITION • very good vintage condition...
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Studded Strawberry Pendant Long Necklace, Contemporary
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Amber colored strawberry accented with golden studs hangs on a long gold chain. Pendant necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane. Gold plated. Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: Not marked Length: 20 to...
22k Gold, Gold Plate
$525Sale Price|30% Off
Kenneth Lane Pearl and Rhinestone Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Stunning Kenneth J. Lane pearl collar necklace featuring clear rhinestones in a silver-tone setting. I believe this is part of his "Let Them Eat Cake " line. Signed, "Kenneth Lane."...
Pearl
Vintage KJL Kenneth Jay Lane signed gold rhinestone seashell designer brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KJL • gold tone with rhinestones • vintage designer brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 50 ❤️❤️ VI...
$632Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Tutti Frutti Art Deco Fruit Pin Brooch with Clear Crystals, Rhodium
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Colorful tutti-frutti style art deco brooch by Kenneth Lane. Features bright green and red flower and leaf motifs accented with clear crystals and black enamel. Rhodium-plated metal ...
Crystal
1980s Kenneth Jay Lane Silver and Gold Tone Braided Bangle
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Absolutely fabulous and fun Kenneth Jay Lane bangle from the 1980s. A lovely mix of warm bright gold and cool silver tone metal braided together. O...
Gilt Metal
Art Deco style geometric drop earrings, Kenneth Jay Lane, USA, 1970s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
Part of a range produced by Kenneth Lane, of Art Deco style pieces (earrings, brooches, necklaces, bracelets), in varying colourways, during the 1970s, and also later in his career, ...
Base Metal
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
K.J.L Hamsa Necklace/Belt
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
K.J.L Hamsa Necklace/Belt in gilt metal with adjustable chain and gilt tassels. Hamsa symbol is decorated with ornate filigree designs. Signed KJL. Exc...
Gilt Metal
Kenneth Jay Lane Vintage Koi Fish Crystal & Enamel Costume Pearl Brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Kenneth Jay Lane Vintage Koi Fish Crystal & Enamel Costume Pearl Brooch is a stunning statement piece that beautifully captures the elega...
Vintage 1970s Kenneth Jay Lane Gold and Red Enamel Statement Bracelet
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This striking vintage bracelet by renowned designer Kenneth Jay Lane, crafted in the 1970s, exemplifies the bold and luxurious style of the era. The bangle features a distinctive spi...
Enamel
Kenneth Jay Lane Tiger Choker Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our Kenneth Jay Lane Tiger choker creates such a buzz, especially when paired with a simple black dress or blazer.It can be the anchor any outfit or be a welcoming addition to an ext...
KENNETH JAY LANE KJL signed vintage pastel enamel rhinestone butterfly brooch
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KENNETH JAY LANE KJL • gold tone with enamel and rhinestones • vintage designer brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal...
Kenneth Jay Lane Whimsical Embellished Lucite "Strawberry" Pendant & Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane's wonderfully whimsical lucite "Strawberry" embellished with rhinestones. The strawberry measures 1 1/2 inches by 1 inch. The gilded gold hardware necklace is styled with a rope-chain design and measures 28 inches. In total with the strawberry hanging on the necklace, it measures 32 inches. Made in the USA. Please note...We also have a Kenneth Jay Lane Jade...
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Plated and Cobalt Blue Enamel Clip On Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in London, GB
Beautiful Kenneth Jay Lane gold plated earrings, featuring lovely cobalt blue enamel. Measuring length 2.9 cm / 1.14 inches by width 1.4 cm / .55 inch. This is a pair of glamorous a...
Gold Plate, Enamel
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Amazonite Bead Necklace with Golden Accents
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Kenneth Jay Lane amazonite bead necklace in earthy teal, tan, white, and gray tones. Gold-plated hook clasp. Length: 59 cm / 23 in Hallmarks: Kenneth...
Amazonite
$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
A 2000s Black Enamel Brass and Rhinestone Bangle Bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Glamorous 2000s Kenneth Jay Lane Black Enamel & Rhinestone Bangle Bracelet An iconic statement piece by the "King of Costume Jewelry," Kenneth Jay Lane (KJL). This striking, vint...
Brass, Enamel
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
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
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Kaleidoscope Collar Necklace, Enamel and Crystal Motifs
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Kaleidoscope necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane. Signature KJL designs linked together to form a dazzling statement necklace! Colorful starfish, fly, ladybug, butterfly, jelly belly spider...
Crystal, 22k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$132Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Pave Crystal Conch Shell Nautical Pin Brooch, Modern
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
More beautiful than the oceans! A golden conch pin brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane covered with sparkling clear pave crystals. Gold plated. Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: KJL, Made in USA
Crystal
$272Sale Price|20% Off
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Faux Pearl Embellished Shell Brooch Pin in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A unique nautical-themed pin/brooch by KJL. Features A faux pearl, colorful cabochons, and crystals, set in gold-plated bezels. Painted coral enamel. Kenneth Jay Lane. Hallmarks: K...
Crystal, Gold Plate
KJL Tutti Frutti Art Deco Fruit Pin Brooch with Clear Crystals, Rhodium Plated
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Colorful tutti-frutti style art deco brooch by Kenneth Lane. Features bright green and red flower and leaf motifs accented with clear crystals and black enamel. Rhodium-plated metal ...
Crystal
$236Sale Price|37% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Pave Crystal Raised Motif Bangle Bracelet Leopard Pattern
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane in an exotic leopard pattern. Features raised gold-plated motifs accented with colorful crystals. Height: 1.6 cm / 0.6 in D...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Kenneth Lane Gilt Metal Cobalt Resin Link Bracelet circa 1990s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in University City, MO
Kenneth Lane gilt metal cobalt resin link bracelet The luminous gilt matte metal link bracelet is designed with a row of cobalt blue color resin egg-shaped cabochons The back und...
Gilt Metal
$135Sale Price|20% Off
Gilded Hinged Cuff Bracelet with Texture Finish By Kenneth Jay Lane, 1990s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible costume jewelry piece from the '90s - 7.5" circumference, fits small to medium sized wrists - Interior measures 2" x 2.75" - .75" width - Gold plate...
Kenneth Jay Lane Ethnic Inspired Cuff
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane Ethnic inspired patinaed gilt cuff with clamp hinged closure. Dimensional swirl design looks incredibly sculptural and modern when worn. It can be worn in different ...
Gilt Metal
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Chain Link Five Charm Bracelet, with Toggle Clasp, in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A gold-plated chain bracelet with five charms - a ladybug, a hand fan, a clock, a pair of shoes, and an angel. Accented with crystals and enamel, fastened with a toggle clasp. By Ken...
Crystal, Gold Plate
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Cabochon Crystal and Black Enamel Salamander in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A whimsical salamander/lizard/gecko brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane. Painted black enamel body, adorned with coral-colored cabochons and sparkling clear and re...
Crystal, 22k Gold, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane Turquoise Multi Strand Necklace Button Clasp Couture Collection
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
From Kenneth Jay Lane's Couture Collection. Make a bold statement with the KJL faux turquoise bead multi strand necklace. This luxurious piece features 38 strands of vibrant turquoi...