Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

At the 1996 Sotheby’s auction of Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s belongings a faux pearl necklace with a crystal clasp designed by Kenneth sold for over $200,000 – evidence not only of the cultural capital of Jackie Kennedy but also of Kenneth Jay Lane. According to Lane, Kennedy was “not that interested in valuable jewelry. She left the good stuff at the bank.” In fact, Jackie asked Kenneth to make copies of some of the jewelry given to her by Aristotle Onassis. One of Kenneth’s most photographed clients he often gave her earrings and pins that he thought she might like.