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.
$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
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
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...
$332Sale Price|30% Off
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...
$227Sale Price|30% Off
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|30% Off
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...
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 KJL Vintage Rare Large Gold White Pearl Pear Leaf Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Wokingham, England
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Vintage Large White Pearl Pear Fruits Crystals Leaf Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone A very beautiful pair of clip on earrings, signe...
Gold Plate
$238Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Gilded Bow Earrings with Swarovski Crystals, Signed
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in McKinney, TX
These dazzling & shiny gold-plated clip-on bow earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane are studded with faceted Swarovski crystals and are the perfect compliment to your holiday look! With a c...
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
$192Sale Price|30% Off
KJL KENNETH JAY LANE signed dangle runway clip on earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KJL • silver tone with rhinestones and faux pearls • vintage designer runway earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with mi...
KENNETH JAY LANE Faux Topaz Crystal & Enamel Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Atlanta, GA
1970’s Kenneth Jay Lane clip on earrings created with faceted crystals set in a triangular white enamel base. The rich brown crystals have the look and sparkle of smokey topaz. Per...
Enamel
$119Sale Price|20% Off
Puffy Quilted Two Tone Rectangular Earrings By Kenneth Jay Lane, 1980s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in McKinney, TX
Iconic and effortlessly chic, these 1980s Kenneth Jay Lane earrings are the epitome of statement sophistication. Featuring quilted silver resin wrapped in crisscrossing gold rope det...
Kenneth Jay Lane Huge Ruby Geometric Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
K.J.L.'s large geometric earrings set with a huge square and triangular "ruby" each. Set in blackened metal for striking contrast. Clip back fittings. 1980's USA. 2.25" x 1.25". Exc...
Gilt Metal
Kenneth Jay Lane Pearl and Crystal Ring Ear Clips
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Striking Kenneth Jay Lane Pearl and Crystal Ring Ear Clips from the 1980's. Large faux pearls are set onto crystal rings with pave accents. Clip...
Gilt Metal
Kenneth Jay Lane Pearl Pear Ear Clips
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Attractive Kenneth Jay Lane Ear clips with large faux pear shaped pearls. Ornate pave mounted foliate caps. Clip back fittings. Excellent condition. 1.5" x .8". This same style of ...
Gilt Metal
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Jeweled Square Button Clip on Earrings, KJL, Contemporary
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A pair of clip on earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane. Each gold-plated earring is painted in coral orange enamel, and decorated with colorful crystals. Crystals: Aquamarine, peridot, rose...
Crystal, 22k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
$160Sale Price|20% Off
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Flower Hoop Clip on Earrings, Enamel and Faux Pearls
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A pair of golden flower earrings, painted in white and blue enamel and accented with faux pearls & crystals. By Kenneth Jay Lane. Hallmarks: KJL Gold plated.
Crystal, Gold Plate
1990s Kenneth Jay Lane Starfish Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Beautiful Kenneth Jay Lane earrings from the 1990s. Gold tone textured starfish with faux coral cabochons centres. Clip ons with plastic backings for comfort on ears. ©KJL marking on...
Gilt Metal
Kenneth Lane Snail Golden Metal Clip Earrings Enamelled
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Kennet Jay Lane -Golden metal clip earrings enamelled. To note, marks of oxidation. Additional information: Dimensions: 2.5 W x 3 H cm Condition: Good condition Seller Ref number: B...
Enamel
1990s Kenneth Jay Lane Green and Gold Shell Clip-On Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in London, GB
These superb 1990s earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane make a real statement and were designed to turn heads. Forming a shell-like shape, they are crafted from green enamel that looks like ...
$423Sale 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
Kenneth Jay Lane 1990's Animal Print Enamel Clip-ons
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Kenneth Jay Lane 1990's Animal Print Enamel Clip-ons. These earrings are in excellent vintage condition and are a gold-tone. Length- 1" Width- 0.5"
Kenneth Jay Lane Door Knockers With Turquoise
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our Kenneth Jay Lane door knocker earrings combine the best of both worlds, western flair meets art deco.The turquoise adds dimension and seals the deal.They can be purchased as-is o...
$262Sale Price|30% Off
KENNETH LANE signed vintage gold resin rhinestones designer clip on earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed KENNETH LANE • resin and gold tone with rhinestones • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs o...
Early K.J.L. Pave Faux Pearl Schlumberger Style Ear Clips
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Early Kenneth Jay Lane Pave Faux Pearl Schlumberger Style Ear Clips of a faux faceted pearls with gilt pave caps. 1960's USA. 1.5" x 1". Clip back fit...
Gilt Metal
Kenneth Jay Lane Emerald Crystal Cabochon Clip On Hoop Earrings, Clear Crystals
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Discover the epitome of luxury and elegance with the Kenneth Jay Lane golden clip-on goop earrings, adorned with exquisite emerald cabochon crystals. These earrings are a true testam...
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
Kenneth Jay Lane 1990's Peach Rose & Rhinestone Clip-ons
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Kenneth Jay Lane 1990's Peach Rose & Rhinestone Clip-ons. These earrings are in excellent vintage condition and are gold-tone. They have a rose shape which looks like a peach colored...
Kenneth Jay Lane "Swirls" of enamel and Faux Diamonds Brooch & Earring Set
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane's wonderful gilded gold vermeil hardware accented with "Swirls" of enamel and finished with faux diamonds matching brooch and earrings makes for ...
1990s Kenneth Jay Lane Enamel and Gold Twisted Circles Clip On Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Kenneth Jay Lane cream and gold enamel clip on earrings with a twisted circle detail. In excellent condition, normal signs of wear throughout. Circa 1990s. 1" Length 0.5" width
Gilt Metal
1980s Kenneth Jay Lane Black Cabochon Gold Tone Clip On Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your accessory collection with these stunning 1980s Kenneth Jay Lane Black Cabochon Gold Tone Clip-On Earrings. Exuding timeless elegance, these oval earrings feature a strik...
Kenneth Lane Huge diamond drop earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
These huge drop faux Diamond earrings from Kenneth Lane makes for an impressive, yet elegant show. The top diamond measures 11/16", the bottom di...
Clear and grey paste drop earrings, Kenneth Jay Lane (KJL), USA, 1960s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
Elegant clear drop earrings, highlighted with grey paste, these Kenneth Jay Lane earrings, from the 1960s, give a feeling of earlier times, a more 'antiqued' look, whilst still retai...
Kenneth Jay Lane Large Purple and Rhinestone Clip Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These are a gorgeous pair of Kenneth Jay Lane costume earrings. Measures: Height: 2 1/2" Width: 1 1/2"
Kenneth Jay Lane Etched Gilded Gold Vermeil Hardware "Studded Pretzel" Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane wonderfully elegant etched gilded gold vermeil hardware "studded Pretzel" earrings measures 1 1/4 inches in length. Width meas...
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...