Kenneth J. Lane Art Deco Coral & Diamond Enamel Cuff

NWS 7-1545

~ In the early 1960's, when Kenneth J. Lane boldly decided to strike off on his own, to design what would become one of the greatest costume jewelry collections in American fashion history, every woman in America reaped the benefits.  In fact, his jewelry quickly became famous world-wide, and the long list of his customers includes the rich and famous, like Sophia Loren, Barbara Bush, Jackie Kennedy and the Duchess of Windsor

~ According to the book, Faking It, by Kenneth Lane and Harrice Miller, this hinged Art Deco style clamper was made in 1967. The Art Deco design era was Lane's favorite. To quote from the book, Mr. Lane says, "I think it's the most important design innovation in jewelry in two hundred years." The book goes on to state, "Art Deco was modern, clean-lined, glamorous, sexy, and completely original... Art Deco jewelry made by such houses as Cartier and Lacloche now bring enormously high prices at auctions, and is bought to wear or held in personal collections in museums. The workmanship at the time was extraordinary." And so, Kenneth Lane set about making Art Deco jewels in the 1960's when no one else was doing it. "I just couldn't stop designing  jewelry in Art Deco", he said. When Horchow picked up his line and put a page in their catalogue called, "From The Estate of Kenneth J. Lane", the first really commercial promotion was begun. It sold out immediately!

~ This cuff is oval in shape, making it a comfortable fit for the natural shape of a woman's wrist. The cuff is made of highly polished, 22K gold plated metal, with a thick layer of permanent, black enamel on the outside.

~ On the top of the cuff, there is a wide band of thickly plated, rhodium metal - in a typically elongated, geometric shape that mimics the famous Art Deco architecture of the era. This rhodium decoration is studded with dozens of faceted, Swarovski crystals. At its center are 3 rounded bars of faux coral that are raised above their crystal-studded, framed setting. ~ Where the cuff opens, one arm has a spring-loaded hinge, making it a snug hold to the wrist, comfortable and secure. ~ The inside circumference measures 5.8" long, and the gap measures .75" wide, so it will fit most wrists.  The widest part (front) measures 1.75" and tapers to about .75". This is a substantial looking piece, but is most comfortable to wear! Research: Faking It, by Kenneth J. Lane and Harrice Miller; Costume Jewelry, The Great Pretenders, by Lyngerda Kelley

~ In mint, unworn condition, this piece is newer.

Price = $365.00 k-p, b

Who was Lane?