Kenneth Jay Lane Jewelry

Kenneth Jay Lane is an American designer of beautiful jewelry. He started by bejeweling shoes for designers such as Scaasi and Dior. He sometimes made earrings and brooches to match the shoes used in runway shows. After a short stint working with jewelry designer Hattie Carnegie, Lane began his own jewelry design business in 1963.

Early pieces by Kenneth Jay Lane were copies of high end jewelry designs. These pieces were popular among celebrities and notables including Jackie Kennedy, Liz Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. 

With popularity came recognition and awards. Among the numerous honors he has received are the Coty Award for Jewelry Design in 1966 and the Swarovski Award in 1969.

Lane's popularity continues. His clients include Britney Spears, Nicole Richie and First Lady Barbara Bush. Mrs. Bush wore a strand of KJL pearls at 1989 inauguration ball. In 1996 a KJL designed pearl necklace previously owned by Jackie Kennedy sold by Sotheby's for $211,000.

Kenneth Lane jewelry is still being produced and can be found at department stores and via his website. In addition, he has produced pieces for QVC and in 1997 Lane jewelry took in approximately 1.5 million dollars during each 4-hour bi-monthly appearance on the TV shopping channel. Vintage and pre-owned pieces are available through the secondary market place and can be found in all price ranges.

SETS

This Set was Made in Several Colors and also with Larger Cabachon Stones

NECKLACES

1992 from the Fruit Salad Collection

With Magnifier Pendant

This Design was also Made with Pave Rhinestones

   
Pair of Art Deco Inspired Pendants; the One on the Right came in Two Color Combinations and Dates to 1971

BRACELETS

   
This Clamper Bracelet was Made in at Least Six Colors

   
This Clamper Bracelet was Made in at Least Six Colors and also was Designed with Rhinestones

This Bracelet was also Produced in Coral

PINS

Pear Brooch, 1966

Salamander Brooch. 1988

Starfish Brooch, 1985

Art Deco Pin 1972

   
The Shell Opens to Reveal a Watch

Punchy, Hawaiian Punch Character

Humpty Dumpty Brooch, 1970

Caterpillar Pin, 1995

Double Snake Brooch, 1988

EARRINGS

Available in at Least Five Colors Including a Variation with Rhinestones Set in the Rim

RINGS

KJL FOR AVON

KJL FOR ROYAL WORCESTER

         
For Royal Worcester, 1976, a Collection of Bone China Jewelry

HANDBAGS

HALLMARKS

DATING KJL JEWELRY BY HALLMARK

K.J.L. without a copyright symbol, 1962 - 1970s. Used again in the 1980s -90s

KENNETH LANE on pieces made for and sold at Saks Fifth Avenue, 1960s-70s
(Sometimes with a copyright symbol between the words or preceding the words)

K.J.L. for AVON and KENNETH LANE for AVON, 1980s-2004

KENNETH JAY LANE, 1980s - 90s

©KJL  mark without periods, used for QVC, 1990s

REFERENCE

Faking It by Kenneth Jay Lane and Harrice Simons Miller

To see what KJL pieces are available for sale in World of Eccentricity & Charm, just click here.