Not a whole lot is known about Beau Jewels. Some sources think it might have been affiliated with Beaucraft and Beau Sterling. Beau Jewels may have been made by Bowman Foster, Inc., a company that no longer exists, and operated from the 1950s through the 1970s.

So why do I call them unsigned beauties? Because Beau Jewels brooches are not marked. The earrings are usually signed on the clipback with BEAU JEWELS (all capitals, block print). Without the matching earrings it is difficult to determine who made the brooch.

Beau Jewels brooches are marked by style. The brooches are usually large, with complex spray or floral motifs with richly colored, high quality rhinestones, simulated pearls--often baroque style-- and art glass cabs with lots of texture. The photo with the close-up of the black brooch shows how these art glass cabs are faceted.

All stones are prong-set and each setting is riveted onto a prong. The pinbacks are usually attached to a filigree blank. The construction makes even the largest brooches lightweight and easy to wear.

Beau Jewels brooches and sets are undervalued in today's vintage jewelry market. The quality, design and colors make them stand out even without a maker's mark. So if you have a complete set with the signed earrings and unsigned brooch, keep them together. If you have either the earrings or the brooch alone, hold onto them because the matching piece is out there somewhere. Someday collectors are going to figure out how very valuable these unsigned beauties really are.

p.s. If anyone reading this blog has the earrings to match either of the shown brooches, contact me!