Kenneth Jay Lane: The King of Costume Jewelry Kenneth Jay Lane (1932-2017) wasn’t merely a jewelry designer; he was an architect of glamour, a craftsman who redefined “faux” as a form of art and elevated it to the status of cultural icon. Born in Detroit, Michigan—the son of Mark Lane, a dealer specializing in automotive parts—Lane possessed an early fascination with aesthetics instilled by his mother’s appreciation for refined tastes: Meissen figurines and English teacups were staples of their household. This upbringing profoundly shaped his artistic vision, prioritizing elegance and meticu…