Kenneth J Lane Signed Brooch Black Orchid order Brooch Vintage

This stunning signed black orchid brooch is designed by Kenneth Jay Lane in black diamond crystal flower petals, bronze faux pearl pistil order, and glamorous gold base design. Reminiscent of the Art Nouveau style, "inspired by natural forms such as the sinuous curves of plants and flowers.[2] Other characteristics of Art Nouveau were a sense of dynamism and movement."

This piece is in excellent vintage condition.

Signed: K. J. L. (Kenneth Jay Lane)

Measurements: 4" x 4"

According to worthpoint.com "Kenneth Jay Lane graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1954 and went on to work in the Vogue art department in New York after that. With his interest in fashion piqued, he went to work designing shoes for Delman and Christian Dior, which included decorating some of them with rhinestones. He began working with jewelry as well during this period. Lane's career is said to have launched when the Duchess of Windsor took notice of his jewelry in 1963, and society reporters spread his name and work to the world.

"Other designers before him, including the renowned Fulco Di Verdura and those responsible for Cartier's famed jewels, inspired Lane's designs along with his travels to Europe and Asia. He successfully marketed many statement-making styles in the 1960s. When these lines were first hitting the market, celebrities of all types – from royalty to Hollywood stars to First Ladies – were seen wearing KJL jewelry. Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn are among the notables who had Lane create designs for them.

"One of Lane's goals, however, was to produce jewelry for the everyday woman rather than just catering to high society. A new group of fans found his jewelry and other accessories through his popular Avon lines that were sold through their catalogs in the mid-1980s, and then his QVC broadcasts in the early 1990s. His Avon jewelry is usually nicely made, and many pieces are sought as collectibles. Lines made for other sources vary in price point and craftsmanship. The high-end pieces offered through stores like Neiman Marcus are generally high in quality and appeal to fashionable women of all ages.

"Lane's jewelry has been produced both domestically and abroad. Companies known for making some of the jewelry branded Kenneth Lane in the United States are Rhode Island-based Gem-Craft and DeLizza & Elster (makers of “Juliana” jewelry) formerly located in New York. Imported jewelry will sometimes be stamped with the country of origin.

"Lane actively participated in his business well into his 70s, working at his New York showroom and making QVC appearances. He died in New York in 2017 at the age of 85."