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Kenneth J. Lane White Enamel & Jeweled Maltese Cuff NWS 7-1506 ~ 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, this Maltese cuff, and other KJL jewelry, was designed for Diana Vreeland. Diana was consultant for the Costume Department of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and she was doing a show on Chanel. She asked Lane to design jewelry to go with Chanel's clothing, and this Maltese Cuff was Lane's rendition of the famous Verdura Maltese bracelets. Diana, of course, kept "a few" of Lane's jewels. Her collection sold at Sotheby's for $167,000 in the early 1980's. Diana would wear this Maltese Cuff with several other, large stoned bracelets, and, though she was a petite woman, the effect was dazzling! ~ This cuff has a slight oval shape, making it a comfortable fit for the natural shape of a woman's wrist. It is made of goldtone metal, with a thick lacquered layer of white enamel. ~ Against this dramatic background, the Maltese cross is set in the center. It's shimmering gold highlights the scores of faceted, faux gemstones it contains, all of which have been bezel set. Stunning! ~ These crystals are in various shapes, sizes and colors, appearing to have been scattered at random,... but, note the perfect symmetry of the design! ~ Mr. Lane has used a spring-loaded hinge on one arm of the cuff, so it's easy to put on and take off, part of the genius of his creation. ~ The bracelet measures 2" wide. The inner circumference measures 6.2" and the opening measures slightly under 1". It will fit most wrist sizes. ~ Signed on the inside "Kenneth © Lane" on an oval plaque. c. 1970-85, in excellent condition. Research: Faking It, by Kenneth J. Lane and Harrice Miller, p. 117-120. Price = $395.00 b 2 , k-l 2 Who is Lane? |
