London Jewelers rises to every occasion.
From Mother’s Day and engagements to anniversaries, the venerable retailer has the perfect gifts for all of life’s precious moments. And next year, the company will mark a milestone of its own: a century of excellence.
“Having a business that has survived 100 years with four generations involved is very rare today,” says Candy Udell, London’s president, who runs the company alongside her husband, Mark; their children, Randi and Scott; and their nephew, Zach. “We have built this with a lot of pride and integrity and my customers know how hard we work. We started out with four people and now we have 18 stores in New York and New Jersey carrying all the top luxury jewelry and watch brands, and we’ve built wonderful relationships along the way.”
So many of London’s partnerships — and friendships — were established decades ago. “If I want to give us any kudos,” says Udell, “it’s that we were able to establish valuable relationships with so many of the founders of these iconic brands way before they were as successful as they are today. We go back a long way and have a great history,” she continues, mentioning legacy names like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, Panerai and Buccellati. “It’s been pretty incredible building personal relationships with these brands over 50 years.”
And the future looks even brighter.
“We are working on some incredible projects,” says Udell. “Rolex just unveiled a new store in Manhasset last week and a Rolex Boutique will be opening this August in East Hampton, the first of its kind in the world. There will be more exciting news next year when our new watch boutique opens with even more brands and a separate Patek Philippe salon within. All in time for our 100th anniversary!”
To commemorate its centenary, London is planning a series of glittering functions, from in-store parties to brand events to specialty product introductions. Philanthropy is important to the company, which hosts fundraising initiatives for causes, offers scholarships and helps others via generous actions like funding hot meal deliveries to five hospitals during the COVID pandemic. “London’s personal mission is to give back to the communities that support our business by helping the many local charities,” she says, adding that the company will be doing a symbolic 100 good deeds, one for every year.
Giving is a theme at London, whether it’s helping those in need, sharing expertise or finding a gift that mom will cherish. “It’s wonderful to give a watch or a piece of jewelry, and it creates great memories,” says Udell, noting that the Manhasset flagship will be offering tulip bouquets and handmade silk flowers over Mother’s Day weekend and providing exceptional hospitality throughout the store. “We have pieces that you can pass down to generations to come.”
She loves the purity of modern classics like diamond studs, tennis bracelets and tennis necklaces — the staples of every jewelry wardrobe today. Moms are layering and stacking their metals and customizing them with charms. “The London Collection has something for everyone, from an adorable newborn and a sporty teen to a glam grandma. We have a wide array of fashion and classic jewelry for self-wearing and gifting.”
Brilliantly hued gemstone rings, necklaces and earrings make unique and eye-catching additions. “People often tend to overlook color, like jewelry set with rubies, emeralds, sapphires, tourmalines. If you have a favorite color, like pink, green, turquoise or yellow, we have a multitude of options in our collections.”
Retro designs are increasingly trendy. “Vintage has become very popular and it is something that we are definitely getting into,” says Udell. “We’re looking forward to heading into it with a purpose.”
Speaking of bold and bright: Last year London added Verdura to its mix. “They have a wonderful history, like all our other brands, and design for royalty and movie stars alike. Coco Chanel was often the muse, and the Maltese Cross cuff was created for her.”
Sounds like a future family heirloom.
Timeless appeal: Celebrate Mother’s Day with meaningful treasures from London Jewelers
London Jewelers is the ultimate destination for all things shiny. While the Manhasset flagship carries a dazzling array of fine jewelry and watches, the store’s Gift Gallery (temporarily housed in the Wheatley Plaza store at 180 Wheatley Plaza in Greenvale, LI) is arrayed with gleaming designer accessories for the home.
The tempting assortment includes luxurious and up-to-the-minute décor and objects, from high-end crystal and china to cozy blankets, scented candles, desk accessories, games, prestige pens and much more.
“We have things for every occasion and price point,” Candy Udell, president of London Jewelers, tells Alexa. “We cover newborns to grandmas, and everyone in between. Engagements, weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, graduations and birthdays — whatever it is we have something.”
Of course, you don’t need a special event to shop for creature comforts there. “A lot of people pick out beautiful things for themselves,” says Udell. “Custom safes are also available for homes, which is a specialty for us.”
Catching the light are crystal wonders from brands like Lalique and William Yeoward. Meanwhile, Baccarat’s famous figurines and colorful butterflies, Champagne flutes and faceted bowls make sparkling keepsake gifts. So do exquisite silver frames from Buccellati.
The tabletop display includes MacKenzie-Childs’ graphic platters and plates and Michael Aram’s coveted cheese board and knife sets. Georg Jensen’s Indulgence Grand wine cooler, Rosenthal’s swirly Squall gold porcelain vase and Jonathan Adler’s brass and acrylic Futuristic Fantasy Globo Tripod bowl make every party more enchanting.
The selection for little ones is also irresistible. Mon Ami stuffed bears, bunnies and ballerinas are squeezably soft, while Elegant Baby beribboned baby socks and cable sweaters and hats are equal parts cute and useful. These nursery essentials can be assembled in darling gift baskets.
As for Venus et Fleur’s everlasting floral arrangements, they’re currently available at the Two by London store at 2032 Northern Blvd. in Manhasset.
Udell is a dog lover and active dog rescuer who has saved 10,000 pups, so there are plenty of goodies for furry friends.
“Our Cause for Paws line of jewelry is designed to give back to shelters, rescues and other animal-related causes,” she says. “This product is also available online, and is popular for every holiday as a wonderful way to give to people who love animals.”
The friendly Gift Gallery staff is on hand to help customers find just the right items and wrap them gorgeously. That way, the presentation is just as wonderful as the present inside.
Heart of gold
London Jewelers’ VP Randi Udell Alper selects sensational stunners for mom.
Keep-snake
“This is a signature, iconic Bulgari piece that stands the test of time. It’s perfect for every occasion, from casual to dressy and from day to night. Mom will treasure this versatile and sophisticated necklace.”
Moving message
“Customizing your own jewelry should be effortless and personal. Create a meaningful piece with the London Collection’s personalized slider with diamond letters and numbers. Wear it as a stand-alone piece or make a statement and stack.”
Love match
“More than beautiful, this piece also holds deep sentimental value. It’s a chain-link bracelet that creates an unbreakable bond between two people, and it lasts forever. It’s a very romantic design.”
Tennis, anyone?
“Diamonds symbolize love, eternity, strength, purity and commitment. They’re everlasting, like this gorgeous trio from our London Jewelers brand. It makes a meaningful and glamorous gift for every mother in your life.”
Best and brightest
Honor moms with diamond dazzlers approved by London Jewelers’ VP Scott Udell.
Lucky charm
“Celebrate the timeless elegance of motherhood with this necklace, inspired by the lucky clover leaf. It’s a special gift for a special mom on Mother’s Day, wishing her love, luck and joy throughout the year.”
Forever chic
“Always a popular choice, an eternity band is a classic piece in every woman’s jewelry wardrobe. The continuous line of stones around the ring represents endless love. What could be more appropriate for Mother’s Day?”
Arm candy
“You can’t go wrong with a Coco Crush bracelet. They come in every color of gold, from white and yellow 18-karat to Chanel’s signature beige alloy, with or without diamonds. They’re great for stacking and you can wear them with anything.”
In the flow
“When the weekend rolls around, every mom needs a gorgeous pair of going-out earrings. This drop style is elegant and timeless and adds dazzle to every outfit. She’ll get a lot of use out of this pair.”
Good times are here again
London Jewelers’ VP Zach Udell clocks watches with magnificent designs for Mother’s Day.
Warm regards
“Rolex has its own foundry and its Everose gold is one of the best materials out there. This 18-karat alloy won’t tarnish or change color over time. Chocolate dials have been trending and we’re also seeing a demand for smaller cases, like this 28 mm size. This watch is sleek and sophisticated for day and the diamond bezel and diamond markers add sparkle for evening.”
Linked in
“This Panthère cuff ticks two boxes: It’s a stunning piece of jewelry and also a timepiece. The links are small, rounded and smooth, so it’s very comfortable to wear. The design dates back to the ’80s — it’s updated for today but still very true to the original. And it has Cartier’s signature blue sword-shaped hands and Roman numerals on the dial.”
New neutral
“You can wear this versatile Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce for all occasions. The taupe color is warm and feminine but still neutral enough for everyday use, and the rounded octagonal bezel enhanced with 48 diamonds dresses it up for a casual evening out. The Ref. 5268/200R is water-resistant to 30 meters and the strap is made of a composite material, making it a beautiful and durable Mother’s Day gift.”
Triple play
“This double- and triple-wraparound style is iconic. It’s not an easy feat to produce an ultralight, flexible, tubular design and Bulgari really is the best at it. The mix of 18-karat yellow, white and rose gold metals gives you wearability: This watch will work with all of your jewelry. The black lacquer dial with minimalist diamond markers is both chic and modern.”
