💎 KENNETH JAY LANE: The Man, The Legend, The Jewelry! 💎
The mere name of KENNETH JAY LANE often evokes sighs of wistful admiration from wearers, lovers and collectors of high-end designer fashion jewelry all around the world! Kenneth was a man with a rare gift for designing jewelry that appeals to ladies of all types and from all cultures as his seemingly boundless diversity in the realm of personal creativity enabled him to create an endless variety of designs, including Art Deco creations and pieces inspired by nature, animals, mythology, astrology, fairy tales, history, and much more. As an individual, Kenneth was a man of suave elegance and singular wit who had a highly developed aesthetic sense as well as an understanding of a need for jewelry that could be acquired without spending hundreds of thousands of dollars yet without sacrificing style, quality, or beauty. When speaking of his unique designs in an interview with The Times in 1993, Kenneth said, "I think it's called 'having the eye ' It's not necessarily reinventing the wheel."
Even though Kenneth Jay Lane would later count such famous and fashionable ladies as The Duchess of Windsor, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diana, and Nancy Reagan among both his friends as well as his star-studded clientele, his beginnings were far from affluent. Kenneth was the son of an automative parts supplier who developed a deep and abiding love of fashion while still a boy. In spite of the fact that he later confessed to wanting "the best of everything," Kenneth was a self-made and self-taught man who transformed himself from a seemingly average "nobody" into a jet-setting businessman fully capable of mixing and mingling with the creme de la creme of high society.
Considering the nearly unprecedented success as a jewelry designer that Kenneth Jay Lane ultimately experienced, it is ironic that his jewelry designing began as a hobby or "sideline." Although he had begun designing jewelry in his spare time, Kenneth was a shoe designer for over a decade, and even commuted to Paris to study with Roger Vivier (who famously designed the shoes the legendary French actress and icon Catherine Deneuve wore in the iconic Luis Bunuel cult classic, "Belle de Jour") while working for Christian Dior. It was when Kenneth was hired to design bejeweled shoes- many with rhinestone toes and heels- for an Arnold Scaasi show that Kenneth's affinity for working with gemstones was publicly noticed.
In 1962, Kenneth Jay Lane began designing his own jewelry collection and, within a few years, his designs could be found in and were being sold by most of the Fifth Avenue stores.
Kenneth Jay Lane's collaboration with the Duchess of Windsor- a collaboration that resulted in the creation of some of Kenneth's most collectible designs- is just one of many notable achievements. He also worked closely closely with the legendary Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, creating replicas of pieces she owned that were originally from such posh jewelry stores as Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels.
There are several books devoted to Kenneth Jay Lane's jewelry, including his best-selling memoir, "Faking It," a book Kenneth co-authored with Harrice Simmons Miller. Kenneth, who was a benefactor of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was honored when, in 2007, the museum named a room of European Orientalist paintings after him that was part of its renovated galleries of 19th and early 20th Century European paintings.
Although, sadly, Kenneth Jay Lane passed away in 2017, his legend lives on through the legacy of his extraordinary jewelry. Kenneth's ingenious designs continue to be worn, cherished and collected by women around the world, including many of today's most famous style and fashion icons such as Angelina Jolie, Lady Gaga, Madonna, and "Sex and the City" Fashionista Sarah Jessica Parker.
✝️ THE CROSS: In History, Culture, Mythology, & Spirituality ✝️
Among the most ancient of all human symbols is the CROSS. It is often associated strongly with various religions, perhaps, most notably, with Christianity. Its association with Christianity stems from the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on a cross, and crosses are often worn by Christians as a way to honor their faith.
However, the CROSS has many other meanings not associated with Christianity. Its four points have been said to represent the four elements - fire, earth, air, and water.
Historically, crosses are also found in the language of heraldry, which came to the forefront in Europe during the 12th Century. Various crosses were used as distinguishing symbols among families and organizations. These crosses oftentimes featured plants such as the rose and fleur-de-lis as well as animals, such as the lion and eagle.
The CROSS is also linked to chivalry, and the Knights of medieval times were known to wear a cross not only on their shields, but on their clothes and on their seals as well.
There are many types of Crosses, including the Celtic Cross, the Greek Cross, the Latin Cross, the Byzantine/Russian Cross, St. Andrew's Cross, the Crosslet or Mission Cross, the Moline Cross, the Maltese Cross, St. Peter's Cross, the Papal Cross, and the Handle Cross or Ankh.
The CROSS will probably always retain universal connections with an attitude of faith, hope, and optimism. It has inspired architecture and paintings, and has been used extensively in fine and fashion jewelry throughout the centuries.
Many style and fashion icons of the past and present have worn jewelry featuring the CROSS or CROSSES. A couple of notable examples are the Duchess of Windsor, who was known to love and wear a beautiful charm bracelet featuring cross charms and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who wore a magnificent Russian cross necklace.
Countless modern-day celebrities have been seen wearing cross-themed jewelry on the covers of magazines, in photo shoots, and on and off the red carpet. Singers Madonna and Gwen Stefani both wore cross necklaces designed by jeweler Neil Lane to awards ceremonies and singer Katy Perry has worn cross jewelry many times and to numerous events, most notably to the 2013 MET Gala when Katy wore ornate, Byzantine-style chandelier cross earrings designed by the illustrious luxury designer fashion house, Dolce & Gabbana. Singer/songwriter Carrie Underwood has worn cross-themed jewelry numerous times while appearing on the red carpet and has used crosses to signify her strong spiritual faith, which has inspired much of her music. Other celebrities and fashionistas who wear cross jewelry include actresses Uma Thurman, Elizabeth Hurley, Catherine-Zeta Jones, Helen Mirren, and the iconic Kardashians.
Out of all the many symbols that inspire jewelry, the CROSS is certainly one of the most popular, versatile, and enduring.
✝️ ITEM DESCRIPTION ✝️
Sumptuous 22K Yellow Gold-Plating and shimmering simulated WHITE diamonds- made from the finest Austrian Swarovski crystals- merge to create this SPECTACULAR Cross Pendant Necklace by the legendary Kenneth Jay Lane. Combining old-world charm with timeless style, this is a gorgeous and versatile piece that is even more striking in person!
Made for the designer jewelry connoisseur who loves the finest in cross-themed jewelry, this is an investment piece that will be treasured for many years to come.
The cross part of this pendnt necklace is large - a true statement piece! Designed with a partially openwork design that is filigree inspired, a row of hand-set simulated diamonds adorn the entire structure of the cross - that is, the mid-portion and arms.
The substantial rope necklace that accompanies the cross is meticulously crafted and exquisite.
This is a cross necklace to treasure, a COUTURE, one-of-a-kind piece!
Whether worn with casual or cocktail/evening clothes, this necklace will be noticed and complimented by all - and the eternal message a cross conveys of hope, faith, optimism and positivity will radiate whenever nd wherever it is worn!
To me, this seems like a piece that would have been owned and worn by the famed style and fashion icon Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, given her penchant for cross necklaces and the fact she had dozens of cross pendants and pendant necklaces in her jewelry wardrobe!
The measurements on this stunning piece are as follows:
The cross pendant measures approximately 3 inches in length and approximately 2 1/4 inches in width.
The necklace measures approximately 24 inches.
This piece is signed "KENNETH LANE" and it is in MINT Vintage condition, showing no obvious signs of wear. It is from the exceptional ESTATE of a well-respected actress of the stage and film who was an avid collector of high-end designer jewelry.
☆Please Note☆
The majority of the items we offer here at the Visionary Fashionista are unique and rare and many are extremely difficult to find. We are delighted to have procured much of our selection from the estate of film and television stars, fashion models, socialites, and other celebrities. Specific names and further details are omitted out of respect for the celebrities' families and legacies.
Keep in mind that we generally only have ONE of each item! We mention this not only to emphasize the rarity of our items but also because we do not want anyone too disappointed when we are unable to offer a duplicate of an item once it is sold.
☆SHIPPING CHARGES, SHIPPING POLICIES, & INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING ☆
All items ship within 3 BUSINESS DAYS of receiving payment. This does not include weekends. It is our policy here at the Visionary Fashionista to mail all of our items to our customers via USPS Priority Mail or via Fedex. We strive to ensure that the shipping charges we ask our customers align with what it costs us to mail our packages to our customers, and for items over $100, we factor the costs of extra insurance into our shipping charges. Our top priority is that our one-of-a-kind items arrive at their destination safely and soundly and that adequate tracking information is available.
Here at the Visionary Fashionista, we LOVE our international buyers! And, in order to ensure that our one-of-a-kind items are accessible to buyers worldwide, we are loyal subscribers to Ebay's Global Shipping Program.
💎 Shopping with the Visionary Fashionista 💎
Please add the Visionary Fashionista to your favorite ebay sellers and keep an eye on my listings as I will be adding more exceptional pieces of designer jewelry as well as designer clothing and accessories in the days,, weeks, and months to come. I guarantee that ALL of the items I offer are 100% AUTHENTIC and customer service and satisfaction are among my top priorities.
Here's to finding, developing and embracing your Inner Fashionista!
Sascha (The Visionary Fashionista) 🌹
https://visionaryfashionista.com