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 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...
$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
$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
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Gripoix Emerald Sapphire Ruby Amethyst Cabochons Avon Set
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Wokingham, England
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Avon Vintage Gripoix Cabochons Emerald Sapphire Ruby Amethyst Green Navy Blue Red Purple Jewellery Gift 2 Set Chunky Statement Y Necklace Earrings, Gold Tone Ve...
Gold Plate
Vintage Statement KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Ruby Crystal Clasp & Pearl Torsade 1990s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A fabulous Vintage Kenneth Lane Ruby Pearl Torsade. Featuring a huge ruby red crystal mounted in a high setting adorned with baguette and chaton crystals giving an Art Deco vibe. Row...
Kenneth Jay Lane vintage multi strand necklace, 1960’s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane vintage multi strand necklace Period – 1960’s Length – 74 cm Condition – very good, one brown stone is missing ........Additional information ........ - Photo m...
KJL Museum Collected Designer Resin Boxed MidnightRose 2Strand Necklace 1980s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Chicago, IL
Kenneth Jay Lane--whose monogram KJL is signed on the white-rose-decorated gold-tone clasp of this double-strand black-resin beaded necklace--is only one of four bylined jewelry designers collected by The Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection At The Metropolitan Museum of Art from the two-decade period between 1970-1989, which was dominated by such bold big shapes in mostly black, white and gold. A must for any collector of the world-renowned American-founded beauty-brand Avon, its rare limited-edition retailed necklace by Lane titled "Midnight Rose" is among the most distinctive that it produced among its lines of primarily perfume, cosmetics, and personal-care products whose origin dates back to 1886 in New York. Notably, the life-sized shiny cast-acrylic rose has the look of a far more expensive carved stone, such as one cut and polished from light-filled saturated-white chalcedony, which is a hard semi-precious stone favored by Lane. Like Lane's own line when it was originally signed KJL, the decorated clasp is uniquely designed. It locks underneath with a semi-circular hinge, which enables the stylized three-dimensional smooth rose to be perfectly positioned on the right side of the upper chest with the bud facing upwards above its three-leaf sepal in contrasting gilt textured metal. This position adds sparkle from above to the three pave rhinestones in a gold-tone setting at center of the rose, as if its dew-covered bud was beginning to open in strong moonlight. To balance the bold rose shape, the black strands cross each other below at a single point, which adds another eye-catching element to the concealed-string-tied necklace. In mint condition with no sign of wear, the necklace was acquired in its original lavender Avon retail box. In contrast, the paper shows wear and tear from handling, while still featuring the jewelry designer's full-name script signature, title, and text details like how to care for this synthetic jewelry. The metal-stamped hallmark is "KJL for Avon...
Gilt Metal
1990s Kenneth Jay Lane Gold and Crystal Statement Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in London, GB
This incredible 1990s necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane makes a real statement and was designed to turn heads! It features a two strand chain comprised of elongated gold pieces, and clear...
Ten Strand Baroque Rice Pearl Necklace Gold Plated Faux Pearl Clasp circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
Ten strands of baroque rice pearls with a gold plated and faux pearl clasp. The necklace is length 46 cm / 18.1 inches. The pearls have a lovely ivory colour and beautiful subtle lustre. The necklace is in very good condition, with wear to the gold plating on the clasp. This beautiful vintage rice pearl necklace...
Coral Diamonds Rubies 14 Karat Yellow And White Gold Multi-Strand Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 23.40 Carat Moonstone Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique Victorian 23.40 carat moonstone and 12 karat yellow gold collar length necklace; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive Victorian moonstone necklace has been crafted in 12k yellow gold. The necklace displays a feature two-tiered drop to the center of the arrangement; the central tier ornamented with two bezel set round cabochon cut moonstones and the lower tier tapering to a single oval cabochon cut moonstone terminal. The central drop is flanked on either side by a total of six bezel set oval cabochon cut moonstones drops, dispersed evenly. The moonstone drops suspend from a 15.5" belcher chain, crafted in 12k yellow gold. The chain secures with a conventional spring loaded bolt ring fastening to the reverse. This antique Victorian collarette has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 12k gold. The necklace is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card. 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 stunning antique 1880s necklace...
Moonstone, Yellow Gold
Diamonds Yellow Topaz Garnet Rose Gold Silver Fly Shape Clasp Red Coral Necklace
Located in Napoli, Campania
Unique red coral multi-strand necklace composed by five red coral rows, and rose gold and silver fly shape clasp that has movable wings all studded by little diamonds. It has two red...
Diamond, Garnet, Topaz, Coral, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
1984 Vintage Chanel Multi Strand Choker Necklace Faux Pearls Yellow Gold Tone
By Chanel
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Chanel multi-strand necklace crafted in yellow gold tone (circa 1984). The necklace features 3 strands of 10mm faux pearls with 2 strands of yellow gold plated wheat-style chains. Measuring 17 inches in length the necklace is slightly adjustable to 19 inches. Given the multiple strands (and the thickness of the chain metal and faux pearl strands...
Base Metal
Italian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Paperclip Link Chain Necklace 9.5 Grams 20"
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold chain featuring 38 paperclip links weighing 9.46 grams. Available in white gold and rose gold. Available in smaller and bigger sizes. Email for more details. C...
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Handcraft Coral 18 Karat Yellow Gold Multi-Strand Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emilio Jewelry Rose Cut Diamond Necklace
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From the vault at Emilio Jewelry, located on New York's iconic Fifth avenue, One of a kind hand made natural Rose Cut Diamond necklace featur...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980's 14k Yellow Gold Layered Omega Necklace
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1980's 14K Yellow Gold Layered Omega Necklace - The necklace measures 15.5 inches long, the 2nd chain drops down another .75 inches and the width is 2.5mm. The necklace has a...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage CHANEL Byzantine Cross Gripoix Pearl Double Chain Necklace
By Maison Gripoix for Chanel
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage CHANEL Byzantine Cross Gripoix Pearl Double Chain Necklace Measurements: Height: 3.93 inches (10 cm) Wearable Length: 29.92 inches (76 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic CHANEL. - Byzantine cross necklace...
Mother of Pearl Disc Necklace and Earrings Set 1950s
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous mother of pearl necklace and earring set. The choker necklace has 2 rows of 3/4" mother of pearl discs draping from a chain...
Vivienne Westwood Three-Row Costume Pearl Drop Orb Pendant Necklace
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Vivienne Westwood Three-Row Costume Pearl Orb Pendant Necklace is a striking statement piece that embodies the brand’s signature blend of punk-inspired elegance and modern sophis...
Kenneth Lane 1980's Gold Plated Hammered Links Double-Layered Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in London, GB
Kenneth Lane 1980's Gold Plated Hammered Links Double-Layered Necklace Gold necklace featuring a double-layered design with interlocking, hammered metal links. Detailed with a 'Ken...
Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane Multi Strand Faux Pearl Necklace Gold Plated 3-Strand Collar
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your jewelry collection with the Kenneth Jay Lane multi-strand faux pearl necklace. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this exquisite necklace features: Three Strands of Lustrous Faux Pearls: The necklace boasts three strands of beautifully simulated pearls, creating a luxurious and classic look. The pearls are carefully selected to mimic the natural iridescence of genuine pearls. Unique Hook...
Gold Plate
1990s Kenneth Jay Lane Gold and Crystal Statement Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in London, GB
This incredible 1990s necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane makes a real statement and was designed to turn heads! It features a two strand chain comprised of elongated gold pieces, and clear...
Vintage Four Strand Multi Color Faux Pearl Necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane, 1980s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - 19" length - Gold plated hardware - Four simulated pearl strands (Champagne, Light Grey, Night Blue, Maroon) - Hook clasp - By Kenneth Jay Lane (signed on clasp...
Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Multi Strand Black Jet CZ Panther Necklace and Earrings
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful Designer Multi Strand Black Jet Necklace featuring a Sparkling Rhinestone encrusted Leopard/Panther front closure and matching Earr...
Silver Plate
Ken Lane Jet Glass Beaded Jeweled Panther Clasp Choker Style Necklace c 1980
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in University City, MO
Ken Lane Exquisite jet glass beaded jeweled panther clasp choker style necklace c 1980 The elegant glass beaded necklace is designed with eight strands of bl...
Silver Plate
Vintage Rainbow Torsade Statement Collar Attr. KJL 1980s
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A striking Vintage Rainbow Torsade Collar of the most stunning quality. Crafted with six strands of individually knotted, Swarovski Aurora Borealis Crystal beads in purple, green and red. Finished with a gold plated loop style rhinestone set feature clasp. In very good vintage condition, most likely by Kenneth Jay Lane, 53cms. A wonderful statement collar...
Kenneth Jay Lane Gemstone Pendant Turquoise Bead Multi Strand Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
Elegant multi-strand turquoise bead necklace with a jeweled, white-enamel pendant in gold. Old-new stock from earlier KJL collections. Wonderfully preserved. Never worn. Hallmarks:...
Crystal, Gold Plate
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Three Strand Faux Pearl Necklace, Clear Crystal Clasp
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A stylish triple-strand necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane. Features three strands of glowing faux pearls. A regal looking two-piece box clasp accents the pearls, accented with faux pearl ...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Kenneth Jay Lane Gilded Hammered Gold Multi-Disc Chain-Link Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Jay Lane wonderfully whimsical hammered gilded gold hardware multi-disc chain-link adjustable necklace measures from 15" - 20" in total length depending on ...
Kenneth Jay Lane 1990's 8-Strand Pearl & Rose Motif Necklace
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Kenneth Jay Lane 1990's 8-Strand Pearl & Rose Motif Necklace. This necklace is in excellent vintage condition with very minor wear. The strands of pearls are differing sizes and hook...