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Kenneth J. Lane Art Deco Brooch Bonsai Tree in Carved Jade Pot NWS 15-1434 ~ In the early 1960's, when Kenneth J. Lane boldly decided to strike off on his own, to design what would become one of the greatest costume jewelry collections in American fashion history, every woman in America reaped the benefits. In fact, his jewelry quickly became famous world-wide, and the long list of his customers includes the rich and famous, like Sophia Loren, Barbara Bush, Jackie Kennedy and the Duchess of Windsor. ~ According to the book, Faking It, by Kenneth Lane and Harrice Miller, the Art Deco design era was Lane's favorite. To quote from the book, Mr. Lane says, "I think it's the most important design innovation in jewelry in two hundred years." Lane goes on to state, "Art Deco was modern, clean-lined, glamorous, sexy, and completely original... Art Deco jewelry made by such houses as Cartier and Lacloche now bring enormously high prices at auctions, and is bought to wear or held in personal collections in museums. The workmanship at the time was extraordinary." And so, Kenneth Lane set about making Art Deco jewels in the 1960's when no one else was doing it. "I just couldn't stop designing jewelry in Art Deco", he said. When Horchow picked up his line and put a page in their catalogue called, "From The Estate of Kenneth J. Lane", the first really commercial promotion was begun. It sold out immediately! ~ The brooch depicts a bonsai tree in blossom. Covered with "diamond" flowers, it positively shimmers with 64 faceted crystals that are seated in rhodium plated metal. And believe me when I say, Mr. Lane uses only the highest quality crystals in his jewelry.... they're from Swarovski. These rhinestones are in 2-3 different sizes. Did you know that using varied sizes makes it more expensive to produce a piece of jewelry? Yup, if you're trying to assess the quality of a jewel, look for stone variety (color, shape and/or size), and you'll know the designer didn't cut corners. ~ The tree's trunk and gracefully curving limbs have been hand-painted in a deep, metallic Chinese red, with ever so lightly applied frosted highlights, making it look as though the tree is glimmering in the moonlight. ~ The faux jade pot is made of carved green plastic. A leafy vine winds its way beneath the rim of the pot, while large flowers burst open around its center. Stupendous! ~ The brooch measures 2.25" high and 1 7/8" widest. ~ Marked "©KJL" on the reverse "China". I believe this is a contemporary piece (1980+). It is in absolutely mint condition, all stones are perfect and all are original. No chips or scratches to enamel. Price = $145.00 k-p2, b 4 Who was Lane? |
