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London Jewelers is honored to celebrate a century in business. To mark the glittering milestone, the company has published a new coffee-table book tracing its illustrious history.
The story starts in 1926, when Polish emigré and self-taught watchmaker Charles London opened a small namesake shop in the heart of Glen Cove, LI. Fast forward to today, and that unassuming storefront has grown into 16 luxurious stores (and counting) that rank among America’s most prestigious fine jewelry destinations.
Led by London’s grandson Mark Udell, his wife, Candy, their children, Randi and Scott, and their nephew, Zach, the boutiques stand not only as bastions of elegance but as symbols of trust and loyalty.
Ask any Udell and they’ll say: The secret to London’s success is family — and “framily.”
Their remarkably close family bonds are a source of great pride. So are the close personal friendships they have forged over decades with customers, employees, and the heads and founders of iconic jewelry and watch brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Buccellati, Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Bulgari and Panerai.
“For us, our 100th anniversary is truly a dream come true because it really encompasses the entire family,” says Candy, the tireless president who still climbs up on ladders to dust store fixtures and bakes cookies for vendors and colleagues. “Our kids have the same passion that we have for the business. We instilled it in them at an early age. They started coming to the store when they were babies, and we all work together.
“To have three generations in a room is very truly unique and special,” she continues. “Now, we’re training the fifth generation, and once again we hope to have three generations in a room together.”
“It’s a happy business,” adds Mark, London’s CEO. He met his beloved Candy at the University of Miami and married her in 1973, the year he graduated. “We go to work and see people coming in and making purchases for happy occasions.”
The dynamic duo has earned numerous accolades, including the 2026 GEM Award for Lifetime Achievement, the 2024 WatchPro USA Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2024 Diamonds Do Good Community Impact Award and the American Gem Society’s Triple Zero Award.
Mark was inducted into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame and named Jeweler of the Year by the New York State Jewelers Association.
Candy’s honors include the Women’s Jewelry Association Award for Excellence in Retail and her own induction into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame.
The Udells are also active philanthropists, supporting dozens of charities through London Jewelers.
“It’s a business but also a culture,” says Candy. “You feel the warmth of the family within; it’s not like walking into another store. We’ve spent a long time cultivating special relationships. These people have become friends over the years and are a lasting part of who we are.
“I want people to step into another world where they’re treated with respect and care and love,” she says.
That’s the London way.
Mother knows best: London Jewelers’ president and matriarch Candy Udell on modern marvels for mom
Circle of hearts
“Buccellati’s Hawaii bracelet with diamond-set hearts is such a romantic Mother’s Day gift. In yellow and white gold, it coordinates with your everyday jewelry and looks so pretty when it’s layered with other pieces. I also love the Hawaii necklace.”
Chic choker
“Bulgari’s Tubogas designs are iconic. This flexible yellow gold choker with colored stones and diamonds is so wearable and very fashionable. Also a little bit bold — which is nice for mom. It really makes a statement with a spectacular burst of color.”
Perfect present
London Collection bow ring in 18k yellow gold with rubies and diamonds, $19,900
“Bows are very popular right now and we have beautiful London Collection rings, necklaces and earrings with that theme. They look like presents. I love color, and this unique bow ring with rubies and diamonds makes you stand out.”
The time is now
“Chanel’s gorgeous Première Galon watch is exclusive to London Jewelers for several months, starting July 1st. It will come with custom packaging in honor of our 100th anniversary. This petite, feminine and stackable watch is inspired by the braid trim on a Chanel jacket. If you want to go out in the evening, it’s the perfect piece to wear.”
A cut above: Honor the many facets of motherhood with dazzling diamonds from London Jewelers’ VP Scott Udell
Vintage vibes
“This is a new play on an antique diamond necklace. It’s a modern take on a vintage crossover diamond tennis necklace that can be worn to dress up or down. It’s very beautiful and versatile and should be in everyone’s jewelry collection.”
Flower power
“This Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole pendant necklace is very dainty and elegant. It’s a great base for a Van Cleef jewelry collection and there are a lot of add-on gifting opportunities. Every year, you can add another piece to it.”
Snake charmer
“A Bulgari Serpenti bracelet is always a staple, and this one has such a beautiful flare of diamonds at the head and the tail. It looks great with all mom’s jewelry and can easily be layered with other bracelets and a watch.”
The perfect pear
gold with diamonds, $5,315 London Jewelers
“Everything trending in the ’80s and ’90s is back with a vengeance and that includes pear-shaped diamonds. This matching pendant necklace and earring set is very wearable and faces beautifully. Mom will love this.”
Once upon a time: London Jewelers’ VP Zach Udell suggests gorgeous watches to give mom her happily ever after
Pop art
“Andy Warhol was a fan of Piaget watches and this is a re-creation of the modern trapeze shape that he liked. It’s a very chic version, with two tracks of diamonds and a diamond bezel and the hour markers the house is known for. It’s also the ideal size.”
Royal jubilee
“This Land-Dweller with a flat Jubilee bracelet and honeycomb-motif dial bridges the old and the new. It has the vintage Rolex look that everyone is looking for these days with modern updates on the movement. It’s one of the newest and coolest watches with a great casual wearability for a mom on the go.”
Modern muse
“A modern, feminine dress watch, this Vacheron Constantin model has special details that add character and visual interest. The crown is at the 1:30 position, which is unusual because crowns are usually positioned at 3. The pleated-pattern dial has a tapestry effect that’s almost 3D, and I love the gold numerals set at an angle.”
Perpetual pick
“For Patek Philippe, it’s not just about telling time, it’s about a higher level of horology. The company is known for perpetual calendars, and this is the first time that complication is being offered in a collection exclusively for women. This can be the one watch you take on a trip for a week and it will work for every activity and event.”
Queen of diamonds: London Jewelers’ VP Randi Udell Alper selects sparkling sensations for mom
Twinkle time
“Cartier’s all-diamond Baignoire watch is an exquisite bracelet that tells time. It’s a heritage Cartier design from 1912, and mom can wear it stacked or alone. The pavé work is beautiful and the case is a very feminine, unusual shape.”
Love letters
“This is the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. You can spell out a child’s or partner’s name or ‘I love you.’ It’s sentimental and has personal significance and can be worn every day. Mom will look at it and remember her loved ones.”
Secret garden
“Pasquale Bruni, like us, is a family-owned business, which I love. This is an expressive and romantic design for Mother’s Day and so perfect for spring. A mother and daughter can wear matching rings in the two sizes.”
Turquoise treasure
“My friend Valérie Messika makes modern fashion statements. I love the stones that she uses and the quality is amazing. This is an edgy and cool necklace.”
