Chinoiserie Chic: Luxe Costume Jewelry

Kenneth Jay Lane Green Crystal Leaf Pin

My favorite costume jewelry is Kenneth Jay Lane, both vintage and modern. Kenneth Jay Lane founded his legendary costume jewelry brand in 1963. Known as the "King of Costume Jewelry," he revolutionized fashion by making "faux" desirable and glamorous. His impeccably crafted, bold designs were highly sought after by royalty, First Ladies, and celebrities worldwide.

Lane popularized the idea of wearing high-quality imitation jewels. His pieces were so stunningly crafted that icons like Jacqueline Kennedy commissioned him to make replicas of her real jewelry so she could wear them safely in public without losing the valuable originals. His illustrious clientele over the decades included Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy Reagan, and Audrey Hepburn.

Today, vintage Kenneth Jay Lane pieces are highly collectible, and the brand continues to offer fine-quality fashion jewelry through the Kenneth Jay Lane website and luxury department stores worldwide.

A little secret - T.J.Maxx online is a great source (at great pries) for Kenneth Jay Lane. The stunning leaf pin above retails for $395. Buy it here for $89.99 with free shipping with code ship89.

These wonderful starfish earrings are clip ons -

Pearl Center Starfish Earrings

More clip ons -

Gold Crystal Seashell Earrings

This pin also retails for $395 and is $89.99. BTW, brooches or pins are a very hot trend. Brooches have made a massive comeback as one of the most expressive and sought-after accessories. Moving far beyond the "grandma" stereotype, they are now utilized as statement pieces, hair accessories, or creative garment fasteners.