Kenneth Jay Lane "Asian Inspired" Faux "Jadeite Dragon" & Faux Diamonds Brooch
About the Item
- Creator:
- Style:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1985
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2475163333
Kenneth Jay Lane
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- BSK Gilded Gold Vermeil Hardware Filigree "Owl Among Floral" BroochBy BSKLocated in New York, NYBSK wonderful gilded gold vermeil hardware "Owl Among Floral" brooch accented with filigree and chisel angles. The height measures 2 inches. Width measures 1 1/2 inches, with ...Category
Vintage 1980s American Baroque Brooches
- Large Victorian Cameo 14k yellow gold pendantLocated in New York, NYThis large Victorian Cameo is set with a 14k backing and loop. The cameo is scrupled from natural Abalone into a beautiful youthful woman of extreme beauty.
The cameo me...CategoryAntique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches
Materials14k Gold
- Huge Multi-Color Crystal "Blooming Floral" Gilded Gold Hardware BroochLocated in New York, NYThis wonderfully detailed Multi-colored "Blooming Floral" set in polished gilded gold vermeil hardware measures 3" in length and 2 6/8" in width. Made in U...Category
Vintage 1950s American Baroque Brooches
- Mary McFadden Gilded Gold Hardware "Scrab" Optional Clip on BroochBy Mary McFaddenLocated in New York, NYThis wonderful gilded gold hardware "Scrab" by Mary McFadden optional clip-on brooch as well as a loop to hold in place your silk scarf when being worn is detailed with etchin...Category
Vintage 1980s American Egyptian Revival Brooches
- Large Whimsical Polished Gilded Gold Vermeil "Teddy" Brooch & PendantLocated in New York, NYThis wonderful large whimsical polished gilded gold vermeil "Teddy" Bear has the option to wear as a brooch as well as a pendant. This whimsical Teddy is accented wi...Category
Vintage 1980s American Artisan Brooches
- Art Nouveau 925 Sterling "Lady and Stars" BroochLocated in New York, NYThis wonderfully elegant Art Nouveau 925 sterling "Lady & Stars" brooch is accented with detailed etching of swirls surrounding the lady and stars. The width mea...Category
Vintage 1950s American Art Nouveau Brooches
- Pair of Ruby and Diamond Butterfly Brooches, by Suzanne BelperronBy Suzanne BelperronLocated in London, GBA pair of ruby and diamond butterfly brooches, by Suzanne Belperron. Each designed as a butterfly with pavé-set diamond wings, enhanced by circular-cut ruby detail, to the baguette-cut diamond body, with French assay marks for platinum and gold Designed by Suzanne Belperron, with maker's mark for Atelier Groene et Darde (partially illegible) Accompanied by certificate no. B33901122012 dated 12 January 2012 from Belperron LLC stating that the pair of brooches...Category
Vintage 1950s French Retro Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Ruby, Platinum
- Austrohungarian Empire Stunning Pendant and Ring SetLocated in Sežana, SIFabulous set consisting of pendant-brooch and ring from the Austro-Hungarian Empire period. The ring, in the shape of a stylized lily, is embellished with natural "rose" cut diamonds...Category
Antique Early 1800s Austrian Baroque Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, 14k Gold
- Cat Brooch Made by Van Cleef & ArpelsBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in New York, NYThe phenomenal designers at Van Cleef are known to take inspiration from nature in their work, and this piece is no exception. This work of art turned jewelry is a Cat brooch set wit...Category
Vintage 1970s American Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Emerald, Onyx
- Important Emerald & Diamond BroochLocated in New York, NYEmerald & Diamond Brooch 9 matching emerald cut emeralds surrounded by pear & marquise cut diamonds set in platinum & 18k white gold Measurements: 2.50" long Emerald Weight: Appr...Category
Vintage 1980s Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
- Pink Coral Drop, Diamonds, Moonstone, White and Rose Gold Dragonfly Shape BroochLocated in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). PS: THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE ...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Brooches
MaterialsCoral, Diamond, Moonstone, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
- 6 Carat Diamond Blue Sapphire Double Clip Deco Style 18 Karat White Gold BroochBy Tresor ParisLocated in London, GBDouble Flower shape brooch featuring an oval blue sapphire on each in the centre flanked by various size petals set with superb white round brilliant cut diamonds in various sizes set in 18 karat white gold. The Lustrous white gold diamonds and sapphires are harmoniously and skilfully set in an art deco style giving this double brooch elegance beauty and a classy finish. The two flowers can be worn separated or as two brooches. Diamonds approximate total weight is 5.50 carats, colour G, clarity VS all assessed whilst set, sapphire aproximate total weight is 1 carat. From an estate jewellery collection here in the UK, believed to have been made in the late 1990s. Natural Diamond Colour: G Clarity: VS Cut: Round Cut Length: 59.5 mm Width: 51.5 mm Weight: 30 grams Date: Circa 1990 – 1999 Culture history and additional information: Vintage art deco style flower brooches are timeless and elegant pieces of jewelry that harken back to the glamorous era of the 1920s and 1930s. Characterized by geometric shapes, bold colors, and intricate detailing, these brooches are exquisite examples of Art Deco design. Typically made of materials such as gold, silver, enamel, or precious gemstones, they often feature stylized floral motifs that exude sophistication and charm. The attention to detail in the craftsmanship of these brooches makes them highly sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike. We see these magnificent art deco pieces reproduced at every trend cycle, such as this double flower, double clip diamond and sapphire brooch by Tresor Paris, only top fine jewellers capture the spirit of that era. Wearing a vintage art deco style flower brooch can instantly elevate any outfit, adding a touch of vintage glamour and personality. Whether for a special occasion or everyday wear, these timeless pieces serve as a beautiful reminder of the luxurious and artistic spirit of the Art Deco movement. Art Deco style emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, influenced by the rapid industrialization and changing social dynamics of the period. Art Deco brooches were popular during this time, characterized by geometric shapes, bold colors, and a sleek, modern aesthetic. Art Deco brooches often featured materials such as platinum, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, reflecting the luxury and glamour of the era. The designs were inspired by ancient Egyptian, African, and Native American art, as well as the machine age and modern technologies...Category
Late 20th Century British Art Deco Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold