Kenneth Jay Lane Jewellery

The American costume jewellery Kenneth Jay Lane was born in 1930. He studied at the Rhode Island School of Design. During the early stages of Kenneth Jay Lane's career he designed shoes for the stores Delman and Christian Dior. He later started creating a new range of designer costume jewellery selling under his own name. As the costume jewellery designer's career in creating fabulous pieces of costume jewellery heightened, he became the favourite designer of many of the American social elite during the 1960's including celebrities such as, Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Vreeland, and Audrey Hepburn.

Kenneth Jay Lane's replica of Audrey Hepburn five strand pearl necklace is perhaps one of his most famous and extravagant pieces. This gorgeous statement necklace was designed in her memory; it features five rows of large knotted glass faux-pearls and is fastened by an outstanding crystal floral decoration. This replica created by Kenneth Jay Lane was featured and worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's; this necklace is favoured by many brides to be to wear at their weddings, and is a great bridal piece. Another lady that admired Kenneth Jay Lane's collection was the Barbara Bush (the wife of the 41st President of the United States George H. W. Bush) as demonstrated when she wore the Kenneth Jay Lane three-strand faux pearl necklace to her husband's inaugural ball. The Triple strand pearl necklace is graduated in length to sit on the collar and the clasp is studded with sparkling Swarovski crystal gems. This pearl necklace was a vital piece for the Barbara Bush's signature style.

His gorgeous statement pieces of jewellery are still favoured by current celebrities. His jewellery has been pictured on many of the rich and glamorous socialites, actresses, and musicians in America. Sarah Jessica Parker has been pictured wearing his fabulous creations including the giant oversized gold butterfly necklace when she starred in the TV series; Sex and the City as Carrie Bradshaw. Mischa Barton has set new trends in beachwear by wearing the Kenneth Jay Lane classic red strawberry gold studded necklace in a bikini on the beach, and his fabulous disco ball rings and animal head bracelets have been pictured on celebrities such as Hillary Duff, Britney Spears, and Jessica Simpson. Other celebrity fans of Kenneth Jay Lane include Paris and Nicky Hilton, Nicole Kidman, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and Madonna.

Kenneth Jay Lane jewellery has two lines, one being the couture collection, available for sale in Sak's 5th Avenue in New York, America, and other major department stores and online boutiques. The second line is the diffusion range which can be his pieces can also be found on QVC, and AVON. Kenneth Jay Lane also sells a range of handbags, homeware, giftware, sunglasses and watches.

By Conny Tam, assistant buyer at www.zentosa.com

Costume and fashion jewellery has been a favourite choice over the decades for women and men of all societies. Contemporary fashion jewellery is reaching the same heights of popularity as it did in the early 20th Century. The choice today has never been wider with designs to suit any fashion or budget. From top designers such as Kenneth Jay Lane, Butler and Wilson to more pocket friendly unbranded and unsigned designers, there is a wealth of options to accessorize your outfit.

Costume and fashion jewellery ranges from cheap and cheerful plastic designs from your favourite high street store to the top-drawer handcrafted necklaces and earrings, often embellished with Swarovski crystals and enamel detailing that is made to last and collect for future generations. Some stunning costume necklaces use semi-precious materials and look as good as their fine jewellery counterparts.
The best way to ensure your favorite costume earrings, necklaces, bracelets, cuffs, charms watches, pins and brooches last is to look after them so you get to enjoy them even more.

Some key tips for looking after your jewellery and accessories:

Do not get your jewellery wet! Jewellery and water just do not mix so avoid going swimming in your jewellery, washing up with your rings and bracelet on and leaving them in moist environments such as the bathroom.

No tangles! Display your jewellery on earring holders, necklace stands, bracelet and watch displays to avoid messy tangles that can harm your accessories.

Keep pieces apart! When storing, traveling or carrying your jewellery around use a roll - also known as an organizer - as it is soft so it protects your treasures from nasty knocks. Storing them together can lead to scratches and crystals being knocked out.

No Sprays! Fashion jewellery hates hairsprays and perfumes so put yours on after you have sprayed hair spray and perfumes. The droplets can damage plating and finishes so do treat your jewellery pieces with care.

No direct sunlight. Many components used in costume jewelry can be sun affected such as wooden beads, bone beads and the like so keep them out of the sunlight.

Avoid lotions and potions. Avoid letting your costume fashion jewelry coming into contact with soap, face creams, or moisturizers. If they do rinse clean and pat dry. Make sure they're fully dry before putting it away.

Keep them clean! Clean your jewelry gently with cotton buds or a soft toothbrush with a little distilled water. Make sure it is properly dried so to look after the metal settings.

In the event of damages, some pieces may be repaired by specialists. Some vintage pieces make have missing beads or stones - these may be replaced if the cost of repair can be justified.

Many talented jewellery designers have created simply stunning pieces, especially with the focus in the 20th Century on colorful and sparkling affordable designs. Statement jewellery is highly popular and can cost substantial amounts. Whatever your style make sure you get to enjoy your beloved fashion jewellery for the years to come simply by caring for them. Your pocket and your wardrobe will thank you!

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