BJ Beatrix vintage costume jewelry
Nat Sugarman founded The Beatrix jewelry company after the second World War, in 1946. He named it after his sister, Beatrice. At first, the company didn’t mark their decorations, and was not particularly successful. However, all changed in 1965, when Leonard Mundell, the manager of the company became its new owner. Without changing the name, he changed the concept of the company. First of all, he began producing seasonal brooches dedicated to traditional and favorite American holidays. The most popular were, of course, Christmas, Halloween and Easter decorations.
Noteworthy, marking “BJ” or “Beatrix” wasn’t consistent until 1975, but from 1975 to 1977, marking on the back side was constant and mandatory. Traditionally, the designers of the company used gold tone metal, enamel, rhinestones and crystals.
According to Justia Trademarks website, Beatrix Jewelry Company registered several trademarks in 1976 – DUKE, DUCHESS, and HEAVENLY BOUTIQUE. Active for three decades (1946-1977), the company was sold to Treasure Master who only operated until 1983.
Today, included in collector’s guides, signed Beatrix or BJ, this jewelry is collectible.