💎 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, and 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 film, "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 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 his 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.
💎 TURQUOISE: In History, Mythology, Culture & Folklore 💎
TURQUOISE, speculated to be the oldest stone in man's history is considered a stone of protection. The name turquoise is derived from the French, "pierre turquoise," meaning Turkish stone as it came to Western Europe from Asia via Turkey. It became widely known because of the ancient trade routes of the Silk Road.
Because of its captivating blue color, it is often called "the sky stone" and is associated with wealth, prosperity, wisdom, immortality, wisdom, emotional balance, creativity, serenity, friendship, love, emotional balance, tranquility, good fortune and healing.
Turquoise is often used for jewelry in the Middle East and the American Southwest. It was regarded as a sacred stone by the Ancient Egyptians, the Chinese, the Persians, Tibetans, Aztecs, and the Incas. It made its debut in ancient Egypt around 7,500 years ago, where it was worn as protective amulets by royalty such as King Tut and Cleopatra.
In Europe, Turquoise jewelry has been prized for centuries and often is seen as a pledge of devotion. Shakespeare uses this symbolism in his famous play, "The Merchant of Venice," when Leah gives a turquoise ring to Shylock to win his favor.
No English gentleman of the 17th Century was considered well-dressed unless he wore turquoise jewelry. Turquoise was so highly valued that all 79 of the emeralds in the wedding tiara that Napoleon I gave his bride Empress Marie Louise were replaced with Persian turquoise cabochons.
Many cultures thought Turquoise was brought to earth by heavenly beings. A legend concerning how Turquoise came about tells of how some Native American tribes were so jubilant to see rain after a long drought that they rejoiced. Their tears of joy mixed with rain, seeped into the earth and became TURQUOISE.
Turquoise continues to remain steadfast in its popularity and is beloved for its aesthetic appeal, versatility and the magical properties it is believed to posses, particularly its protective abilities.
Many A-list celebrities and film stars have a notable affinity for Turquoise including such fashionable actresses as Sharon Stone, Cameron Diaz, Eva Mendes, Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson. Actress Uma Thurman has often be spotted, both on and off the red carpet, wearing a turquoise ring set in yellow gold. It is thought that wearing a turquoise ring set in yellow gold offers protection against danger and harm of all kinds.
A wise Arabic proverb says, "A turquoise ring given by a loving hand carries with it happiness and good fortune."
💎 BYPASS : The History of its usage in Jewelry and Symbolic significance 💎
The bypass design is one that has been used throughout the past several decades in both fine and fashion jewelry. It is used most frequently in rings and bracelets, but is also sometimes seen in necklaces. The interlocking symbolism of the bypass is thought to represent both unity and individuality simultaneously. Often, in rings, for example, the bypass is used in engagement and wedding creations.
In bracelets, bypass designs can be seen in the collections of such globally famous jewelry houses as Tiffany's & Co. and Bulgari as well as luxury stores including Neiman-Marcus. The legendary fashion icon, Duchess of Windsor, had a stunning bypass bracelet in her personal collection that was created for her by Kenneth Jay Lane.
Many celebrities and style icons throughout the years have had bypass themed jewelry in their wardrobes and the bypass continues to be a popular design, thanks to its chic style and sophisticated appearance.
💎 ITEM DESCRIPTION 💎
Glorious, hand-set cabochons of simulated TURQUOISE adorn this BREATHTAKING Bypass bracelet designed by the one-and-only Kenneth Jay Lane! The magnificent stones of simulated turquoise encrust almost the entirety of the bracelet. The luxurious 22K Yellow Gold-plated metal that the stunning bracelet is set in is the perfect backdrop for the faux TURQUOISE stones.
This is such a chic and sophisticated piece, offering that splendid mix of timeless elegance and modern glamour.
It is also a substantial piece with weight to it - a lovely addition to the jewelry wardrobe of a Fashionista who appreciates STATEMENT jewels.
Whether paired with your favorite LBD (little black dress), a business suit or with a simple blouse and your favorite pair of slacks, you will feel and look like a genuine CLASS ACT whenever you wear this bracelet!
This looks like something that one would find in the jewelry wardrobe of such admired fashion/style icons as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Coco Chanel, The Duchess of Windsor, Princess Diana, and Catherine, Princess of Wales (i.e., Kate Middleton).
The measurements on this bracelet are as follows:
Approximately 1 1/3 - 2 1/2 inches in width (depending on the part of the bracelet one is measuring) and Approximately 2.5 inches in diameter. It will fit an average size wrist.
The VERY rare bracelet is SIGNED and it is in Like New/MINT Vintage Condition. It appears unworn! The bracelet features a wrap design making it nearly effortless to take on and off! It is from the exceptional ESTATE of a celebrated actress of stage, screen and television who collected high-end designer jewelry for many decades.
☆Please Note☆
Many of the exceptional pieces of designer jewelry I am delighted to offer are from the ESTATES of models and actresses, socialites and other celebrities who were collectors of unique designer jewelry. I am not at liberty to reveal the names or further details out of respect for these persons' families and legacies. However, I am delighted to be able to make so many pieces of truly EXCEPTIONAL designer jewelry available, and I hope that these pieces of jewelry will find homes with those who will cherish them as they should be cherished.
SHIPPING POLICIES, SHIPPING CHARGES, & INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING:
All of my items are shipped to my customers within 3 business days of receiving payment. This does not include weekends or holidays. It is our policy to only use USPS Priority Mail, or via Fedex. Here at the Visionary Fashionista, we strive to ensure that the shipping costs our customers pay do not exceed what it costs us to ship our packages to our customers. What matters most to us is that our beautiful, one-of-a-kind items reach our clients safely and soundly and that adequate tracking information is available.
🌎 GLOBAL CUSTOMERS 🌎
We LOVE our International Buyers, which is why we choose to use Ebay's International Shipping Program for all overseas orders. This makes it possible for our items to be available to customers WORLDWIDE!
💎 Shopping with the Visionary Fashionista 💎
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Here's to finding, developing and embracing your Inner Fashionista!
Sascha (the Visionary Fashionista) 🌹
https://visionaryfashionista.com