© London Jewelers Corporation
All rights reserved
First published 2025
Publisher: Freecom Luxury Art Book, LLC
Chief Content Director: Charlene Laskin
Chief Executive Officer: Frederic Fournel
Creative Director: Ludmila Lacerda Barros
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in data retrieval systems, without the prior written permission of London Jewelers Corporation.
To truly understand the Udell effect, sit with any member of the family at Cipollini, the Italian restaurant in the Americana Manhasset. You won’t get far into lunch without a woman coming over to show them the rare turquoise Alhambra she just got at the store, or a young man stopping to thank them for all their help with the engagement ring (she said yes!). There will be friends nearby who messaged Randi about the Bvlgari Serpenti she posted on her Instagram that morning, and others from across the restaurant waving to point out their new Rolex or Patek. “Sorry to interrupt,” you might hear, “but did the Love bracelet I wanted come in yet?” Then, there will be a moment when it all stops, because one of the grandchildren is calling on someone’s phone.
London Jewelers occupies several storefronts across Long Island (including – and this matters too – the family’s original place in Glen Cove—but the legacy of—the Udell family looms larger than real estate, shines brighter than all the Van Cleef, and Verdura, and Vhernier, and Patek, and Rolex in the vitrines. You don’t thrive for a century without a secret, and here, in one word, is theirs: family.
It’s a secret we are all, thankfully, in on. You hear it loud and clear when you see the Udells at a jewelry or watch trade show. They travel in a three-generation deep pack. I watched in Vicenza last year as Randi’s daughters sat in on appointments with their mother and grandparents, listening, learning.
The scene is repeated at Couture Las Vegas, at Watches and Wonders, at the Gem Awards. They are there with each other, and for each other, and by extension, for all of us.
But family is also how they welcome every person that walks into every one of their London Jewelers stores. It’s a kind of approach and level of service that is increasingly rare these days, and one that is felt rather more than it is learned, and it’s why, year after year, holiday after holiday, jewel after jewel, watch after watch, their clients keep coming back.
To the industry, they are the example of how to maintain old- school values in a new era, to recognize and nurture new talent while making legends shine, and to hold tradition while evolving constantly.
When the Udells asked me to write this foreword to this book celebrating their 100th anniversary, I said yes before they even finished the question. Because you see, one of my favorite jewelry afternoons was sitting at that table at Cipollini watching the scene I described unfold. A centennial doesn’t happen every day, but for the Udells, that lunch scene does. It’s inspiring to watch people who love each other also love what they do, and to witness the love their community has in return. Our industry is all the better for it. As are we.
by Stellene Volandes, Editor-in-Chief | Town & Country Magazine
The Udells open their first Hamptons location, in the historic former VFW building on Main Street, East Hampton. Celebrities frequent the store for its fine jewelry, watches, and walk-in humidor cigars.
2021 The Rolex Boutique in The Mall at Short Hills, New Jersey, offers professional expertise in a sophisticated setting—one that promotes a sense of harmony and intimacy with the brand, and the ultimate luxury experience.
London Jewelers opens its doors in Southampton. London helps usher in a new wave of high-end retail shops in one of New York’s most desired vacation destinations.
2022
London Jewelers opens in The Mall at Short Hills, New Jersey’s preeminent upscale shopping destination. The boutique features fine timepieces by Patek Philippe and Tudor, along with a large selection of luxury jewelry brands.
London Jewelers at Americana Manhasset expands by opening three adjacent boutiques: David Yurman, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Cartier. The opening of these new boutiques gives London an unprecedented privilege—the opportunity to open branded boutiques under London’s ownership.
2023
London Jewelers opens a new corporate office, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth.
2023
The newly redesigned TWO by London boutique makes the space feel youthful and elegant, offering the ultimate engagement ring and wedding jewelry experience.
2023 The Panerai Watch Boutique in Short Hills is known worldwide for its Italian Navy inspiration, Swiss technology, and maritime heritage. Panerai combines distinctive Italian design with expert Swiss watchmaking to create luxury, durable timepieces.
Charles London establishes his own store on School Street in Glen Cove, selling and servicing clocks and watches. With the changing fashions of the Roaring Twenties, he develops his store to include jewelry. London Jewelers is born.
1974 The store in Glen Cove is booming and expands on School Street. London Jewelers grows to include a vast selection of luxury jewelry and watches.
London Jewelers at Americana Manhasset expands again, by building what quickly becomes one of the most recognized watch salons in the country. The Watch Salon at London Jewelers showcases a vast selection of internationally recognized luxury watch brands.
The Rolex Experience in Manhasset marks an exciting new chapter in London’s long-standing partnership with the brand, designed to offer a refined and immersive brand experience.
1980
Mark and Candy Udell welcome the arrival of their first child, Randi. The Udells open London Jewelers’ second location at Wheatley Plaza, a luxury shopping center in Greenvale, introducing merchandising by brands.
London Jewelers launches its visionary new bridal concept store, TWO by London, the Engagement Shop, at Americana Manhasset— offering state-of-the-art services.
2025 The Rolex Boutique in East Hampton offers a refined luxury experience in a historic house, blending heritage with coastal elegance. Discover the world of Rolex in an intimate, memorable setting designed for true connoisseurs.
London Jewelers opens its doors at Americana Manhasset, a high-end retail property that hosts the who’s who of luxury retail brands. That same year, their second child, Scott, is born.
Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and David Yurman at Americana Manhasset expand into their new, luxurious boutique spaces to accommodate a broader variety of extraordinary designs.
The Vacheron Constantin Watch Boutique in Short Hills, New Jersey, represents a legendary Swiss brand, founded in 1755, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovation. The boutique offers an exclusive collection of timepieces that embodies timeless elegance and technical mastery.
London Jewelers expands to the front of Americana Manhasset into a much larger premium location. This move allows the store to showcase an even wider selection of luxury brands and offer an elevated shopping experience.
2020
The Manhasset jewelry store unveils a stunning renovation, now featuring luxurious Bulgari and Chanel shop-in-shops. Experience elevated elegance in a refreshed, modern setting.
2026
The Watch Salon, Gift Gallery, and event space in Manhasset undergo a full renovation, featuring a new third floor, expanded entertaining space, and outdoor area. A dedicated Tudor boutique will also debut adjacent to the reimagined Watch Salon.
Patek Philippe unveils a new space in The Mall at Short Hills, reflecting the brand’s legacy of timeless craftsmanship. Experience an elevated environment dedicated to the art of fine watchmaking.
Acentury has passed since Charles London established London Jewelers, his modest namesake store in the heart of Glen Cove, Long Island. Today, the Udell family carries that legacy like a gilded badge of honor.
They are a force to be reckoned with. Some may even say they are the American royal family of watches and jewelry: Mark and Candy, London’s patriarch and matriarch, respectively; and Randi, Scott, and Zach, its next-generation court. They’re a familiar sight, walking the aisles of the industry’s premier events in Geneva, Las Vegas, and New York. Their glamorous New York and New Jersey boutiques are meccas worthy of a pilgrimage for aficionados far and wide.
But beyond their striking style and larger-than-life reputation, they are united by a steadfast commitment to their founder’s legacy—and an unshakable ambition to honor it. “They work around the clock, they go without sleep, they do whatever it takes within legal and moral bounds to get the job done,” says jeweler David Yurman. “There’s a certain intimacy they put into their work, and it creates a deep level of trust.”
Underscoring it all is a shared code of ethics. “Generosity is their trademark. That’s not something that can be taught; it just comes naturally to them,” says Hervé Perrot, Bulgari’s North American president.
“I see a lot of love and respect in their business,” says Valérie Messika, CEO of French jeweler Messika. “Nobody can compete with that.”
—Thierry Prissert President, Breitling USA “ “
If you want to be in the jewelry and watch industry, you must have a relationship with London Jewelers. If you don’t, you should ask yourself ‘What did I do wrong?’
That familial bond - and the values and commitment that spring from it - is the—reason London Jewelers hasn’t just lasted, but thrived—for 100 years. It is the kind of success that cannot be written into a business plan. There is no strategy that can replicate it; it cannot be systemized or fabricated. It is untouchable, undefinable, coded within the Udell DNA, nurtured generation after generation. It was built in a series of moments, exactly a century ago, when Charles London took all the right risks. And every decision since—made honestly and judiciously, yet ambitiously—has strengthened it, always in the image of its founder. Because of that, London Jewelers is more than a business and more than a family; it is a phenomenon.
It was the Roaring Twenties, a decadent era aptly captured by F. Scott Fitzgerald in The Great Gatsby. Charles London, a young Polish immigrant and self-taught watchmaker, had just arrived in the land of opportunity—Long Island, to be exact— in pursuit of his own American dream.
Almost immediately, he found himself immersed in the real-life version of Jay Gatsby’s opulent world, as he made his way up and down the Gold Coast, servicing the clocks of its grandest mansions. Whitneys, Morgans, Vanderbilts, and Pratts were among the aristocrats whose estates he visited weekly.
But for Charles, winding and repairing day in and day out was hardly glamorous. It was hard work—and it never stopped.
“ “
Some of these mansions had 50 rooms and 50 clocks. My grandfather went every week to wind every single one of their eight-day clocks. It was a literal race against time.
– Mark Udell
Still, Charles was nothing if not committed, and it didn’t take long for him to gain a following in his new hometown of Glen Cove. In 1926, he established London Jewelers with a small storefront on School Street. “People loved him and encouraged him to open the store,” Mark says. A few years later, Charles’ American dream was further completed when he raised enough money to send for his family. In 1929, his wife and three children joined him in Glen Cove.
To the family, the store represented a bold new future. “My father took us by trolley to School Street and there it was, London Jewelers, our savior,” his daughter Fran once said. “It was a tiny, dark, humble shop that was built with dreams of hope, freedom, and joy.”
“ It was a fruitful relationship from the very start.
My grandfather taught my father everything he knew about watchmaking and jewelry repair and engraving, and my father had a skill for it.
– Mark “
Throughout his life, Charles was serious about his craft.Former employee Seymour Spiegel (pictured on the left) still vividly recalls his first meeting with the creator of London Jewelers. “It was 1940, and he came to Congregation to Tifereth Israel and asked me if I wanted a job.” At 11 years old, Spiegel worked at the store every Friday afternoon, cleaning the showcases, which “Mr. London always wanted spotless.” Along with his weekly pay came chocolate ice cream.
Thus, the
London torch was passed for the first time —but not the last.
Fran shared Charles’ passion and proclivity. From the moment she arrived in Glen Cove, she was a regular presence at the store, spending her afternoons and weekends learning the business from her father. She was a natural, gifted with moxie and compassion in equal measure, and even after she married, she eschewed the convention of the day by maintaining her career.
Fran’s husband, Mayer Udell, had more than a few things in common with Charles: He was also an immigrant from Poland; he was a quiet man with an appreciation for details; and he, too, was in search of a better life. He found it first with his knitwear factory in the Bronx, and second in his relationship with Fran. The couple married in 1945—Charles picked out the engagement ring—and soon Mayer found himself drawn into the London family through more than just marriage. Ever the saleswoman, Fran convinced him to sell his sweater mill and join the business full time.
– Fran Udell “ “
It was a tiny, dark, humble shop that was built with dreams of hope, freedom, and joy.
“ It is with great honor that I congratulate you on your 100-year anniversary. You have been richly blessed with the most precious of gifts — your beautiful family.
—Norman and Hedy Norman Silverman Diamonds
“
Soon, Fran and Mayer were at the helm of a booming Glen Cove store. The secret to their success was all in their dynamic: She was a spitfire, keeper of the books, and charmer of customers. He was the mechanical brains, the veritable Oz behind the curtain, ever fixated on the details of every watch and clock. Together, they were a force.
– Scott Udell of his grandmother “ “
She was a born salesperson. She was relentless in an elegant way.
But Fran was a woman of dualities too: She was personable, often rushing to give clients a hug when they walked through the store’s door. She was also understanding, extending credit and payment plans to customers to ensure they could afford the ring or watch they had their eye on.
That kindness is still remembered throughout Glen Cove today, Mark says. “I still meet people in town who say, Your mother was amazing. When I didn’t have enough money, she trusted me to pay her over time.”
– Candy Udell “
Fran had an innate way of making every customer feel welcome. There was always a smile on her face and she knew how to build and foster relationships.
While Fran was the face of London Jewelers, Mayer worked tirelessly to continue the careful labor of his father-in-law, always fixing and repairing with laser-like focus. “My grandfather was very precise and insistent on doing things the correct way,” says Randi Udell-Alper. “He always wanted to teach us something. To know him was to love him.”
With Charles’ blessing, Fran and Mayer turned London Jewelers into the neighborhood’s most trusted jewelry and watch source. In those days, competition was fierce—there were at least half a dozen jewelry stores in town—but Fran was even fiercer. A fastidious bookkeeper, she took meticulous notes every day, recording each transaction along with weather reports and any other factors she believed might have an impact on sales. When the store was quiet, she would take a walk to visit London’s competitors and make note of how their sales were doing—further research to crack the code of perfecting the business.
Even with all of Fran’s market research and Mayer’s laborious care, the London business was rooted in family and trust. “My mother believed the most important thing you could do was to make the customer happy,” says Ira Udell, the couple’s eldest son.
More than a
“
people pleaser, Fran genuinely cared about her community.
She knew everyone by name, and she asked about their children, remembering if they had a family wedding, graduation, or illness.
–
Lisa Vallone, who has worked at the Glen Cove store for more than 30 years
“
As Fran and Mayer built their own family, the store welcomed two more little employees. Ira and Mark were put to work just as soon as they could sit on Mayer’s lap. From a young age, Mark was especially curious about the business, traveling with his father to the Lower East Side of Manhattan to watch him negotiate with jewelers and buy merchandise.
Though business was life—and life was business—family was the glue that held it all together. There was no night the Udells could not be found eating dinner together, whether it was at home after a long day at work or at the store itself. Family was the foundation of everything: It was the reason Charles London had created London Jewelers. It was the reason that Fran and Mayer worked so hard to carry on the business. And it would be the reason London would succeed for decades to come.
“As a family business that deeply cherishes its roots, you’ve created something truly special— where generations of passion, purpose, and care shine through in everything you do. Your dedication to craftsmanship and client service has set a gold standard in the industry. We are proud to call you partners and friends, and we celebrate this extraordinary milestone with you.
“
—Amir Goldfiner Owner and President, Rahaminov Diamonds
Nearly every day of his life, Mark was a regular sight at the Glen Cove store.
Fran’s “little devil,” as she called him, was cut from the same cloth as his mother. His beloved toy? A miniature cash register to ring up his own imaginary London Jewelers customers. His first enterprise? A lemonade stand that was no ordinary lemonade stand. “It was an elaborate operation,” Ira recalls with a laugh. “He built a cart with drawers in it to make it look more professional. He’d set it up on the corner of Woolsey Avenue and Poppy Lane because he was looking for the most traffic.”
After high school, it was only natural that Mark would pursue a business degree. But, ever the strategist, Mark surprised his parents with where he’d study. “I knew what I wanted: beautiful weather,” Mark says. “So, I spoke to God, and he told me to go to Miami.”
Indeed, destiny awaited at the University of Miami. It first manifested in the form of a dream job: a coveted sales role at Mayors, a high-end jewelry store, where Mark honed his talents on the sales floor between classes and on weekends. Mayors was an awakening for Mark, and a glimpse of what he saw as his future. “They had Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier. They were the best retailer in America,” he says. After every shift, he would return home to take strategic notes in his journal—just like his mother, always tabulating and analyzing to formulate the perfect equation for a sale. And soon, he was one of the store’s top salespeople.
Back at the university campus, Mark pursued another goal with equal passion: the affections of a freshman named Candy. The 18-year-old petite girl from New Jersey was stylish, opinionated, and fiercely independent—and her marketing studies came first. But Mark was as relentless in love as he was in sales, and he courted Candy from the day he met her. Three years later, with graduation on the horizon, he asked her to be his wife and return with him to Long Island.
And so it was that Mark’s blessed warm-weather era came to an end. In the summer of 1973, he returned to Glen Cove a new man with fresh ideas, armed with an ambitious vision for the family business and a new wife—and a partner in crime— standing proudly by his side.
“ For more than a quarter-century, my wife and I have been blessed with the friendship and love of Mark and Candy Udell.
What started in the 1980s with the purchase of a small gift at London Jewelers has grown into a relationship where it’s the only place for special gifts no matter the size.
“
—Dick
Grasso Friend and Client
When Mark first returned with Candy to Long Island, it was business as usual at London Jewelers. But that was all about to change. Within months, the family packed up their humble Glen Cove store and moved a few doors down to a shiny new address on School Street. It was a bigger, brighter shop with blue velvet decor and sparkling showcases lining each side. Mark and Candy were determined to fill those cases with some flashy new brands.
When I came back, I had my attack list. I knew the journey that I wanted to take. “ “ – Mark
On the top of that list —and the first step in his grand journey— was a single word: Rolex.
Today, Mark’s business strategy may seem obvious. Nail the big-brand deal, corner the market in luxury. But back then, the idea of carrying an international brand like Rolex was more than a risk; it was a leap into the great unknown. “In those days, we were a mom-and-pop store,” Mark says. “We had a few watch brands—Bulova, Seiko, Longines, Movado, Omega—and we were expanding our diamond jewelry, but we were still small.”
Mark’s experience at Mayors taught him to think big. Everybody starts somewhere, he reasoned, and this would be the first step into London’s next big chapter. So, he did what he does best: He picked up the phone and turned on the charm. “I didn’t have much to offer them,” he recalls. “But I was relentless.”
Of course, the risk ran both ways. Mark didn’t just have the watch giant to convince; he also had to persuade his father that Rolex was a sound investment. Here, history repeated itself. Where Charles London once entrusted his business to Fran and Mayer, Mark’s father extended the same unwavering faith to Mark. Though Mayer had always been one to minimize risk—“He didn’t care about keeping up with the other jewelry stores in town, and he never wanted to put himself in a situation where he was overbuying,” Mark recalls—he also had absolute confidence in his son. He didn’t stand in the way. Far from it. He told me, ‘If you believe in it, if you think it’s going to work, then you do it.’”
It would take two years to finally sign Rolex, and the investment was no small cost to the Udell family. “We have to buy a package,” Mark told his father, “including the men’s gold President for $2,750.” With his parents’ blessing, he took the big risk. Only time would tell if it would pay off.
But they didn’t have to wait long—not even a day. When the order arrived, Mark immediately set to work, displaying the most expensive timepieces in the store’s front window displays, and by five o’clock that very same evening, one of the family’s loyal customers, was already eyeing them. “I have always wanted that watch,” he told Mark as he placed the watch on his wrist. “Because today is your first day as a Rolex dealer, I will buy it.”
Two years of tenacity paid off in an instant—and it set the tone for the London Jewelers of the future. “That was the great launching pad,” Ira says of his brother’s big Rolex moment. “He realized the power of the store, and the power of luxury brands.” It was a prescient watershed, as Mark set a new trajectory for his family business and learned to trust his ambitious instincts. The personal touch that won Rolex over, and the close community ties that sold London Jewelers’ first major timepiece, would remain the winning formula on which the family business would grow exponentially.
“
London’s biggest differentiator is not what they sell you; it is how they make you feel. Doing business with the Udells and their entire team is not about a transaction. It is about a lifelong relationship.
And that relationship begins with trust.
—Erik and Jackie Gershwind Friends
and Clients
“
With Candy by his side and the support of Fran and Mayer bolstering him every step of the way, Mark was ready to expand the London name. But to hear Mark and Candy tell it all these years later, there was never a great master plan.
“
– Candy It wasn’t like we sat down and decided exactly what we wanted to do. It all happened naturally, organically.
“
There was, however, plenty of intuition, risk-taking, and blood, sweat, and tears. Together, the powerhouse couple—the third generation—grew London Jewelers from a single mom-and-pop store to one of America’s premier destinations for jewelry and watches.
Empowered by their win with Rolex, Mark and Candy began to pursue more luxury brands in 1976, setting their sights on two important European luxury watchmakers—Patek Philippe, another family-owned enterprise, and Cartier. It didn’t take long to win either one over: Within two months, both brands came on board, accounting for London’s biggest investment yet. It was the start of a great period of growth that, five decades on, has yet to slow.
In 1980, the Udells made their first leap beyond Glen Cove, with a second store in Wheatley Plaza. Though it was just a few miles away, operating two locations proved to be a learning curve for Mark. He was used to having his hands in every detail of the business—and now needed twice as many hands. “It was scary at first,” Mark says. “I needed to be at the new store, but I felt Glen Cove and its loyal customers still needed me.” Mark’s business degree was quickly put to work. Delegation was key, he realized, and for the first time, he looked outside the Udell clan for help, hiring the earliest members of what would become a trusted team—and a second family.
Wheatley Plaza also gave Mark and Candy more opportunities to build their Rolodex, and soon they realized they had the gift of incredible foresight when it came to identifying the right brands. “Mark has this spider sense. He can feel when something is going to happen,” said Scott Saunders, London’s longtime chief commercial officer. “And Candy has the style and sense of design. Together, they built relationships with designers and brands long before they became known names.”
Among those brands was David Yurman, whom Mark and Candy first encountered at the Rhinebeck Crafts Festival. “ They experimented and were the first to explore designer jewelry. We were the first designer jeweler that signed up with them.
– David Yurman, who, with his wife, Sybil, became close friends with the Udells
“
Other brands followed in quick succession: Breitling, Concord, Piaget, Audemars Piguet, IWC Schaffhausen.
“
These international brands were and are powerful and important, but in a community like Long Island, being family owned and here for the long haul, we provide a certain trust among clients that’s not replaceable. We knew that we would represent their brands with integrity and help these names grow in our marketplace.
– Mark
“
“ There were no other local independent jewelers cultivating the deep relationships with both vendors and clients the way we did. Many became our close friends, and still are today.
– Candy
“
Mark and Candy have always remained grateful for those deep-rooted connections, and, over the decades, they’ve displayed that gratitude with genuine enthusiasm—and revelry. Their legendary cigar parties, held annually at Basel, for instance, were a beloved opportunity to show their appreciation. “Those parties are among my fondest memories,” Mark says. “We wanted to recognize and thank the vendors and friends who contributed to our success.”
In 1980, Mark and Candy’s flourishing business caught the attention of Wheatley Plaza’s owners, Frank and Rita Castagna. “There was an instant connection between our families,” Candy says of the relationship. “Frank helped nurture our business and was a role model both professionally and personally.” More than a business partner, the Udells regarded Frank as a second father, who championed their growth and, as Candy says, “challenged us to think bigger.”
When they met, the Castagnas were working with renowned architect Peter Marino to remodel their luxurious Americana shopping center in nearby Manhasset, and London Jewelers seemed like a perfect fit. “It was a different crowd,” Mark recalls of his first impressions of Americana. “People dressed to go to Manhasset. It was a scene. It was glamorous.” In 1984, they moved in, opening their third store in the back of the shopping complex.
Candy and Mark’s almost clairvoyant ability to predict the next big thing was proven once again in the 1990s, when Candy spotted an oversize Panerai watch on a client’s wrist. Immediately, she saw a trend in the making.
“
“ At the time, everyone was wearing small watches, and this looked like a clock! We were blown away.
Candy
The couple flew to Florence to meet the Panerai family. The connection was instant: Mark and Candy secured their place as the brand’s first American distributor. “We sold 12 timepieces immediately,” Candy adds.
“ Mark and Candy make you feel like you are part of the family, and that is something very special and unique. “
—Hervé Perrot President of North America, Bulgari
“ It was so important for us to welcome people to our new store and build close relationships. It was about learning about our community, as well as serving and giving back to them.
“ – Candy
In 1995, the Udells decided to expand yet again—by moving their Americana store to a much larger, premium location in the center’s front, and by opening their first location in Long Island’s luxurious summer destination in 1996, the Hamptons. They proudly hung their gilded LONDON sign above the door of East Hampton’s historic and much-loved former VFW building.
At first, it wasn’t so easy to break into the Hamptons’ closeknit community—but if anybody knew how to make friends, it was the Udells. Ever the social chair, Candy developed a series of philanthropic events, from cocktail parties to fundraisers that supported local organizations and established meaningful roots. Gatherings included special guests, ranging from the artist LeRoy Neiman to celebrity therapist and talk show host Dr. Ruth Westheimer.
One such partnership, with the Music Maker Relief Foundation, supported Southern blues musicians with Friday evening concerts and recording sessions for a small group of VIP clients. The series became one of the hottest invitations in town, along with Mark and Candy’s own Saturday evening barbecues.
By 2002, their Hamptons popularity had grown so much, they decided to open a second store in Southampton. “We saw a gap in the retail landscape and Southampton’s charm was calling our name,” Candy says.
With five stores, the Udells were busier than ever. Nevertheless, Candy couldn’t pass up another opportunity when it landed in her lap in 2003. On a chance encounter outside their Americana store, Frank Castagna mentioned that the neighboring location would soon become available. “We’ll take it!” Candy told Frank, immediately calling Mark with the news. When he asked what they’d do with the space, Candy simply replied, “We will figure it out!” The couple knew it was a golden opportunity, and they acted swiftly. “I went to Cartier with the idea to open our first boutique concept,” Mark says. “They loved it, and a new partnership was born that would last for decades to come.”
Such growth wasn’t only to the benefit of London Jewelers; each new venture resulted in significant advancement among the brands themselves. “We developed and built many of these names in our markets,” Mark says. “For instance, when we brought in Van Cleef & Arpels, they were a very sleepy brand. Most of our customers had never heard of them.” The French jewelry house’s arrival at London’s Americana store cultivated a significant new demand for the marque that has grown exponentially ever since.
The expansion continued. When Barneys exited Americana, the Udells decided to take that space too—this time to create an entirely new London concept: the Luxury Watch Salon, which opened in 2007 with curated showcases for the best international timepieces and immediately drew clients from across the country. In 2011, Scott Udell developed TWO by London at Americana, their first dedicated engagement ring boutique, which connected London to a younger generation. It took off and was named one of America’s Coolest Stores the following year.
TWO by London at Americana; it was named one of America’s Coolest Stores the following year.
When the family looked to expand beyond New York, their destination was obvious: New Jersey’s Mall at Short Hills was fast becoming a pivotal luxury shopping destination, and Mark and Candy were at its forefront, opening a second Van Cleef & Arpels boutique there in 2010. The store was a success, and led to more landmark openings, including New Jersey’s first Rolex boutique, an expansive London Jewelers flagship with a Patek Philippe in-store boutique, and freestanding Panerai and Vacheron Constantin stores.
In the summer of 2025, all of the Hamptons flocked to the opening of London’s new Rolex boutique in East Hampton. Situated in a two-story, landmarked, cedar-shingled house on Newtown Lane, the debut marked a new kind of shopping experience for the Rolex brand, with its exclusive bar, outdoor gardens, and lounge. Never content to rest on their laurels, Mark and Candy also expanded their nearby London Jewelers store with an increased Bulgari department and new showcases for Verdura and Vhernier.
“
“ In retail, you have to keep evolving.
– Mark It’s a mantra that keeps him constantly on the lookout for what’s next, and an ethos that has paid off again and again.
What ultimately set them apart—what built their business in such a uniquely spectacular fashion— was and is their vision for the future and their ability to connect: with their clients, with whom they have built an unbreakable bond of trust, sharing with them only the brands they believe in, and continuing the legacy of kindness, values, and integrity upon which London Jewelers’ earliest days were built; and with the luxury brands they have helped nurture and flourish by bringing them into this close-knit community.
“We get so much pleasure out of sourcing the most unique pieces and sharing the best of the best with our clients and knowing they can come to us for special occasions and to find heritage jewelry and watches they will pass on to their next generation. We travel the world to find unique gems and products. Our goal is to bring value and joy to every person who walks through our doors.
– Candy
“
“ From the moment we met the Udells, we were struck by their tireless work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and clear sense of vision.
— Castagna Family
Castagna Realty Co.
“
At every step of the expansion—every store opening, every awards ceremony, every milestone—Mark and Candy were cheered on by Fran and Mayer. “During construction of the Manhasset store, Mark’s dad came often and offered advice,” recalls Hafeez Ally, London’s director of inventory, who joined the company in 1993. “They were all smiles and loved where Mark was taking the business, and Mark enjoyed having his father next to him every day.” Though the second generation may have taken a more conservative approach in their own day, they respected Mark and Candy’s gutsy, confident business style—and they supported it the same way Charles supported them in London’s early days. “We miss Fran and Mayer dearly,” Candy says. “They taught us life lessons that will continue to be passed down through generations of Udells.”
“
We
While Candy and Mark insist there never was a master plan, there was a vision—and plenty of tenacity to go along with it.
never turned down an opportunity and that was really the way we grew. Maybe you don’t think you have a plan, but eventually, as you’re building and building, you look back at all you’ve done and all those who were there to support you along the way, and you realize you actually did have a vision all that time—you just didn’t know it yet.
– Candy
“
“ There has always
been
a great connection
between
our
businesses. Over the years, we’ve shared milestones, memories, and a deep mutual respect that goes far beyond jewelry.
—Peter Webster President/Co-Founder, Roberto Coin
“
In 1973, Candy arrived at Glen Cove, a new bride on her husband’s arm—but there was never any chance this crafty young woman would be just arm candy. In fact, leaving the University of Miami behind for Long Island took some persuading. “I had a year left before graduation, and I was still young,” she recalls of that life-changing year. “My mother said to me, ‘Why buy the first shoe you try on?’ But I was in love.”
Still, that didn’t mean she wasn’t driven. Once settled in New York, she completed the final year of her marketing degree at Hofstra University and put herself to work at the Glen Cove store. Although she had a close relationship with Fran and Mayer, she was relegated to admittedly unglamorous work during her early days at London Jewelers: cleaning shelves, polishing silver, and wrapping gifts.
“Mark’s parents were very warm and loving people—they took me in from day one,” Candy says. “But I had never worked a day in my life up until that point, and when I first started, they wouldn’t let me do very much. They wanted to test me to make sure I was up for the job.”
Candy did not have much in the way of a résumé, but that didn’t mean she lacked experience—her expertise just happened to be on the other side of the transaction.
When I was young, my mother and I would go shopping almost every day. We’d go antiquing and buy beautiful jewelry. She had a very big collection and great taste. “ “ – Candy
Candy’s mother was her first teacher when it came to retail, and she instilled a deep appreciation for the finer things in life. That exposure imparted a certain taste level and, little by little, Candy applied it.
It started with the windows. Back then, the store displays of Glen Cove were a major driver of business—as Mark knew all too well after his first big Rolex sale—and Candy’s innate flair for design coupled with her marketing education gave the London Jewelers windows a fresh style that lured new customers to the store. Next came writing the copy for the newspaper ads and producing the catalogs and the packaging, all of which she updated with the same stellar combination of artistry and acumen.
Her next big contribution came from a little idea. It was 1980. London’s expansion was underway with a second store at Wheatley Plaza—and along with it came more luxury brands. Still, the jewelry and watch cases looked the same as any other store. “Everything was mixed together in the cases back in those days,” Candy recalls. “And I didn’t want to do that.”
What she envisioned instead was a series of showcases, each dedicated to a different brand. The new concept was mostly driven by aesthetics: Each brand’s collection looked best when viewed together—not alongside its competitors. It was a simple shift, but an impactful one, raising brand awareness and cultivating brand loyalty among London’s increasingly discerning clientele. It also championed the brands in a way no other store had done before.
Even as Candy established herself as a vital part of the London family business, the industry at large was still very much closed off to her. “It was a man’s world, which is crazy when you think about it because the industry largely caters to what women want and how they wear it,” she says. “But only men had a seat at the table.” That was literally true of the glamorous tables at the 24 Karat Dinner, the annual invitationonly gala for the industry held by the 24 Karat Club. “The men would go to the dinner dressed in their tuxedos, and the women would go to the theater or a restaurant.”
Not on Candy’s watch.
“It was a genius idea that further committed brands to our business,” Mark says. It was also the jumpingoff point for a much bigger concept that London continues to expand upon today. “We were the first retailer to introduce the store-in-astore concept,” Candy adds. “It was a game-changer.”
“
I have known Candy and Mark for 50 years, and they are wonderful people.
I congratulate them for their involvement in their community, their business expertise, and their devotion to family.
I applaud London Jewelers for 100 years of prosperity and four generations of involvement.
—Edward Chernoff Friend and Client
“
“One year, I wrote a letter to the president and said, ‘Women are a part of this industry. We work every day. We would like to be included in the 24 Karat Dinner because that is where we belong.’” It was a pivotal moment: That year, Candy and roughly a dozen other women were the first to join the 1,000-plus men at the gala. “It’s something that women in our industry really had to fight for,” she says. “As a woman, you have to work twice as hard as a man for half the recognition.” Along with a small but mighty group of female industry leaders, Candy effectively punched through the glass ceiling—and she did it in her own classically Candy way: politely, convincingly, gently but firmly.
Candy tapped into that quiet confidence many more times throughout her career to push the London Jewelers empire to new heights. As the business expanded, she oversaw the design of every new store, working with a team of architects to customize everything from fabrics and flooring to signage and lighting. Her outside-the-box thinking also led the company to extend its influence quite literally outside the box, as she spearheaded dinners and other exclusive experiences for top clients.
She is London’s marketing whiz and social chair, as well as its mother hen, always baking desserts for partners and clients during the holidays, and whipping up cakes for employee celebrations. “She is disarming, and she has this incredible warmth,” David Yurman says. “Everything she does, she does with passion.”
After 50 years in the business, Candy can certainly claim the title of London Jewelers matriarch. She has earned it. “There is no job I haven’t done and don’t still do—I vacuum and dust; I’ll even get up on a ladder if I have to,” she says. “I want to show our employees that no job is too small or beneath us.” And she has been recognized many times for her tireless efforts. She has been the recipient of such prestigious accolades as the New York State Jewelers Association’s Jeweler of the Year (1991), the Women’s Jewelry Association’s (WJA) Award for Excellence in Retail (1995), the American Gem Society’s Triple Zero Award (2004), and induction into both the WJA Hall of Fame (2013) and the National Jeweler Retailer’s Hall of Fame (2023).
It’s been a long road since the early days in the Glen Cove storeroom, polishing and dusting for days on end.
– Candy “ “
I’d like to think that Mayer and Fran maybe—hopefully— saw something in me. I didn’t always have the answers, but I always told Mark, ‘Listen to me. I promise you; it’s all going to pay off in the end’.
She was right. It always did.
“And with Mark’s vision and acumen, the only way was up!”
It’s so nice to see a family-owned business succeed, not only in this time, but to such an astronomical degree. I feel honored to be supporting such a local mainstay and the nicest people in the world at the same time.
“ “
—Debbie Rechler Friend and Client
Throughout their lives, Mark and Candy ensured their family business would both evolve and hold steady, remaining true to Charles London’s founding ideals of honesty and hard work, even as the company flourished. And amidst it all, there was never any hesitation in their minds that what they wanted most was to pass those same virtues on to the next generation.
“
London Jewelers was always going to be a multigenerational business. My dream has always been to carry on that legacy.
– Mark
“
It seemed natural that Randi and Scott would follow in their parents’ footsteps. After all, they were raised just like their father. The Glen Cove store was their second home, and they too spent endless hours absorbing the business from a young age. Though there was a hope—a quiet expectation even—that they would establish careers with London, Candy and Mark never imposed their wishes on their children.
Our children grew up watching their parents and grandparents build the business. They saw the hard work, the love and passion for the business, and they naturally felt it too.
– Candy
“ “
– Scott “ “
It was never forced, but I think I always knew I would end up in the business. It was almost like I couldn’t see it any other way: Of course, I would continue the story of London.
Nevertheless, the children were encouraged to find their own way. That happened early for Randi, whose penchant for the business was sparked early on by the partnership she observed between her father and grandfather. “The relationship between them—the trust and bond and respect they had for each other—it had an incredible impact on me,” he says.
Soon, jewelry called to her, and just like her father, she cast out into the world to learn the business from fresh angles, working with brands like David Yurman and Honora. She caught on quickly, designing an award-winning piece for Honora, and she was the youngest student in her class at the Gemological Institute of America. When she returned to London, she was ready to make her own imprint with new jewelry collections—which she designs with her mother—and fresh approaches to client and brand relationships.
– Randi Udell-Alper “ “
I gravitated toward working alongside my mom because we’re both creative, and that applies to everything we do.
Meanwhile, Scott developed a passion for diamonds and gemstones, becoming the family’s first fully certified gemologist and working with a diamond manufacturer before returning to the business. Back at London, he envisioned the TWO by London engagement ring concept, which connected the family business with a new younger generation of consumers. He also cultivated a roster of clients seeking rare gemstones and custom pieces—a part of the business that often takes him around the world.
– Scott “ “
Finding the perfect stone and making a beautiful design for it, and ultimately watching the joy that it brings to the client, is an incredible journey. I’m honored when people who have all the resources in the world have the trust and confidence in me to make something come to life for them.
Zachary Udell, son of Ira and Allyn Udell, found his way to a London Jewelers career through a different path: his relationship with Mayer. Growing up, he didn’t care much for school and eschewed the idea of following in his father’s footsteps as a doctor. But the summer his mother sent him to the Glen Cove store revealed a latent passion for timepieces. “It was the first time I found something I could sink my teeth into,” he says.
He started off in the store like everyone else—cleaning the cases, polishing the silver—and in between those menial tasks, Mayer taught him the traditional methods of fixing clocks and watches. The new skill was a revelation. After high school, Zach transitioned full time to the store’s shipping and receiving department, an entry-level position that ignited further excitement for timepieces. “When a new Rolex Daytona or other watch arrived, I was always the first person who got to see it,” he recalls. “I thought that was so cool.”
Recognizing Zach’s potential, Mayer urged his grandson to go deeper into the industry and join Mark and Candy at the annual watch fair in Basel (“It was a true eye-opener,” he says of his first experience at the show) and encouraged him to take a lead in the company’s watch department. “I may not have fully realized it at the time, but he championed me in so many ways,”
Zach reflects. Today, he covets his grandfather’s 1940s-era gold Hamilton watch, a gift from Charles to Mayer on his wedding and now a cherished heirloom.
Mark also took Zach under his wing, giving him the encouragement and freedom to pursue his passion for timepieces and, like Mayer, recognizing the innate talents of his nephew. Today, Zach is the company’s in-house watch historian and leading expert in both vintage and contemporary timepieces.
As each member of the fourth generation found their niche, Mark and Candy ushered them into the fold with patience and grace. It wasn’t always easy. “Often, by the third generation, things start to fall apart,” Mark says. “But we weren’t going to allow that to happen.” When the family clashed—and they sometimes did—they brought in facilitators. “It was important for Randi, Scott, and Zach to learn the culture and philosophy we have worked so hard to create,” Candy says, adding that the education went both ways. “Mark and I also changed some of our own thinking about how things have been done and what we could perhaps do differently to become a stronger team. We encourage the input of the younger generation and value their ideas and opinions.”
Just as Charles London entrusted the London Jewelers name to Fran and Mayer, and as they in turn supported Mark’s big ideas and innovation, Mark and Candy invested in the strengths and talents of their own children. It is that melding of minds across generations that continues to form the bedrock of the family business. “There’s nothing better in life than working with your kids,” Candy says. “They have the passion like Mark and I have the passion, and we’re blessed to have them by our side every day. We are living our dream.”
Mark, Candy, Zach, Randi, and Scott epitomize all that is best about family jewelers. Despite their incredible hard-earned success, they remain humble and true to their mission. I have watched them in action many times, and their commitment to excellence in every tiny detail is inspiring.
—Rob Corder WatchPro
I have never met a family so hardworking and dedicated to the success of their company. I have witnessed their development with a lot of admiration. One hundred years is only a step in the long journey which is waiting for them.
—Nicolas Luchsinger CEO, Buccellati
Even though London Jewelers embarked on decades of expansion into more glamorous locations throughout the Northeast, only one store claims pride of place as the beating heart of the family business: the legend on 28 School Street, the Glen Cove store.
“It smells like my childhood,” Randi says of the store, where her family shared countless meals, served out of the wood-paneled kitchen downstairs. It’s where, for 40 years, Mark and Mayer met every morning for breakfast, the kids often in tow.
“Glen Cove is in our DNA. No matter where we may go in the future, we will never leave this town.
– Mark
“
When the family relocated the store in 1974, it was a relatively small move, just a few steps from Charles London’s original location, yet it catapulted the family business into bold new territory and ultimately served as the bellwether of the many successes that lay ahead.
Immediately, Fridays became big business as all of Glen Cove came out to shop in the evenings. Holidays were even bigger. “You could not believe how busy we were—it was crazy to see so much business in this little town,” Mark recalls of days when every inch of the store’s counters was lined with customers “three deep.”
Back then, everyone played their part. There was no division of labor, no hierarchy. There was no role too small—wrapping gifts, ringing up customers—nor was any family member too young to pitch in. “I remember vividly sitting at the watchmaker’s station and playing with all the tools,” Randi says of her earliest memories at the store. “To this day, I could tell you what’s in every cabinet.”
“
To understand our family business, you have to experience Glen Cove. The fact that this little store still exists tells you everything you need to know about us—not only where we came from, but who we are today.
– Ira Udell
“
It is more than a place; it is like another member of the family, a living and breathing vestige of the London lineage, and a reminder of the warmth, humility, and honesty on which the business was built.
For the younger generations, the store was a living manifestation of their elders’ dedication and loyalty to the business—and to one another. “Some of my best childhood memories are having dinner as a family in the basement, listening to the ebbs and flows of another day at the store,” says Scott.
Today, there’s the Manhasset empire to tend to and the Hamptons to keep up with, Short Hills to manage and new business always knocking, but 28 School Street remains a stalwart testament to the magic of family and connection. Mark often returns to the store to retreat from the buzz of the bigger, glitzier boutiques. It’s like a homecoming, a friendly embrace, a place of relative quiet where he runs into familiar faces with whom he grew up: the sons, daughters, and grandchildren of London’s earliest customers. “Many of them remember my mother and father—a few of them even remember my grandfather,” Mark says. “To hear the stories about what they meant to this community is gratifying beyond words.”
Even today, it’s easy to imagine Fran and Mayer still there— Mayer tinkering away in the back, Fran with her journal tallying the day’s sales. They were fixtures at the store well into their 90s, arriving at 7:30 a.m. on the dot and staying until closing, ever committed. “We were lucky to have them by our sides most of our lives,” Candy says.
Fifty-seven years ago, we visited this lovely little shop in Glen Cove and met the warmest, most welcoming people, Fran and Mayer Udell. That was the beginning of our long-term relationship with the Udell family. We watched these wonderful, honest, hard-working entrepreneurs build this fabulous business for their families.
It’s a long way from Mr. London fixing clocks on the North Shore. “ “
—Iris and Saul Katz Friends and Clients
Over the years, we’ve watched the Udell family stay true to their core values, fundamental principles, and strong family ethics. Their kindness and integrity have been an inspiration, and we have the utmost respect for both the business and the family.
“
—Nazy and Bobby Damaghi Friends and Clients
London Jewelers was built on breakfast… and lunch, dinner, and dessert. Food has always been baked, sometimes literally, into every relationship —with customers, with vendors, and with each other.
“When I started in this industry 15 years ago, one of the first places I went to was London Jewelers. Candy and Mark greeted me and gave me a tour of their amazing store, and I thought the visit was all but done, and they said, ‘You’re staying for lunch.’ Candy had prepared this incredible meal, and I thought, ‘If they treat their vendors like this, I’m sure they treat their customers the same way.’
There is no secret: The customer shops where they are welcomed and have a good experience.
“
Thierry Prissert President, Breitling USA
The joy of sharing a meal goes back to the many milestones, big and small, of Mark and Ira’s childhood. There were the annual breakfasts their father hosted at the local synagogue and the family dinners held every night after work, when Fran and Mayer would rush home after a busy day at the Glen Cove store to sit down at the table together. “Most nights, my dad would come home with a loaf of Italian bread under his arm,” Mark says. “Dinner was incredibly important to our parents.” On Friday nights, when the store was open late, Fran cooked and served dinner in the store’s basement, and later, Candy followed in her motherin-law’s footsteps, making extravagant dinners for the extended family.
With the rise of Mark’s early career came another culinary tradition: the father-son breakfast. Every day at seven o’clock for more than 40 years, he met Mayer in the parking lot behind the Glen Cove store. Sometimes they would go for pancakes at the local diner; other times it was donuts or bagels at a beloved bakery. Soon, Mark was bringing Randi and Scott along on this daily ritual before dropping them off at school.
For the Udells, breaking bread together is a time to share perspectives, to talk shop as well as personal matters, and a way of doing business too, says Scott Saunders, London’s chief commercial officer. “When you have a relaxing conversation over breakfast or dinner, that’s when you get to know someone,” he says. “That’s when you really get under their skin and find out what they’re all about.”
Indeed, to work with the Udell family means to eat with the Udell family. It’s more than a meal: It’s a proof of commitment and loyalty, as well as a chance to enjoy each other’s company, whether it’s a monthly meeting with Rolex—a breakfast the entire family joins—or a standing invitation to dinner. “When we moved to the Hamptons, I don’t think there was a weekend when there wasn’t a feast going on at Mark and Candy’s house,” says David Yurman. “They just absorbed us into their family.”
For Mark, a meal is only as good as its ingredients, and sourcing the perfect provisions is worthy of an epic journey. “Going for food with Mark is like an odyssey,” Yurman says. “He has a special spot for everything, so you go to five places just to make a salad.” It’s that attention to detail that tells the jeweler that his business will always be a priority to London. “He is just as specific about the way he keeps his stores too.”
“ “
We love to cook together, we love to eat together. Food is what connects us. – Candy
For Candy, food is a means to show her love. Her holiday packages filled with specialty products from around the world are legendary, and her cakes and pies are just as famous. Both Randi and Scott share her love of cooking and hosting, and often the trio is in the kitchen preparing a family meal together.
Every bite is seasoned with kindness and joy, from the synagogue’s breakfast of the firstborn son that Mark now hosts—always with a framed photo of his mother and father seated at the table—to the extravagant dinner parties the family creates for their clients.
Sometimes, those specially procured ingredients become an impromptu gift for a new customer: One couple came in for a Patek Philippe watch and left with a bottle of Mark’s favorite horseradish. Other times, it’s a means of staying in touch. “On a visit to Manhasset, Mark wanted me to have this huge melon, and for the next two years, he sent me this melon whenever it was in season,” says Hervé Perrot, Bulgari’s North American president. “It’s a small gesture that says so much.”
A very important lesson my parents taught me was to be charitable. You work hard, you earn a livelihood, and then you must give back to your community. “ “
– Mark
Indeed, Mayer Udell was an altruistic presence throughout his life, serving in many capacities at his Glen Cove synagogue—including as president—and receiving honors from the UJA-Federation. The Udell family has carried on that legacy with philanthropic work that is close to their hearts, and by actively supporting their clients’ causes as well.
Rescue Paw Foundation
In honor of her mother, Candy established the Rescue Paw Foundation in 2010 with a mission to protect the millions of abandoned pets that perish in animal kill shelters every year. Since its founding, the organization has been responsible for helping save more than 10,000 dogs—two of which now reside with Candy and Mark.
“
I’ve
always loved animals. My mother brought home every animal you can imagine: turtles, fish, birds, dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens—we even had a baby alligator. Her big heart, kindness, and compassion instilled in me a deep love and commitment to help animals in need. It’s been a calling for me.
– Candy “
In addition to rehoming pets, Candy hosts adoption events and promotes humane education in schools. “I have learned that pulling dogs off the streets is just a Band-Aid,” she says. “To get to the root of the issue, we work with veterinary schools and support spay-and-neuter programs, we go to elementary schools to start the education of humane treatment of animals early in the next generation, and we find new homes for animals that would otherwise perish in kill shelters.”
The Rescue Paw Foundation also partners with Northwell Health’s Hospice Care Network to operate Candy’s Angels, a program that provides peace of mind for hospice patients by finding loving homes for pets that are left behind, and partners with juvenile detention centers to expose youth to the love and connection an animal can foster. The foundation also supports the Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to enact new animal protection laws, fund animal food banks, and expand spay-and-neuter programs for underserved communities.
To support the foundation, Candy designed London Jewelers’ Cause for Paws jewelry collection, a series of pieces marked with her organization’s signature paw imprint. Proceeds of sales from the bracelets, necklaces, and charms contribute directly to rescue and care for homeless pets. Her tireless work for animal welfare has been recognized with the Rescue Dog of the Year Award for Corporate Excellence. “It’s an incredible feeling to be able to make the world a better place for both animals and humans,” she says.
“We were blown away by your incredible jewelry store when you invited us there to bring animals for a fundraiser! We still remember the best delicious banana cake you gave us that night—that yummy cake would win first prize in any baking contest! We so admire your passion and dedication for animals, which is so evident by all your help you give them!
– Jack and Suzi Hanna Wildlife Conservationists
“
Allyn Udell was a presence all her own in the family business. Ira’s wife had a sparkle that couldn’t be dimmed: It’s what lured Ira to her when they met in New Orleans in 1970 (“It was love at first sight,” he says of their meeting), and it was what connected her to the rest of the Udell family and countless London clients for decades.
In 1997, Allyn was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer that develops in the bone marrow. What followed was 21 years of treatment, and though it was often painful and always challenging, her allegiance to her London family never waned. “Even when she wasn’t feeling well, she would keep her appointments,” Ira recalls. “She knew her clients looked to her as a friend and she genuinely wanted to be there for them. She did this almost to the very end.”
After Allyn passed away, in 2018, Ira and his children established the Hello Dolly Foundation, named for her signature dessert. Created to advance research and treatment for multiple myeloma, the foundation works with Northwell Health’s Hospice Care Network (for which Zach is a board member), Tulane University’s Cancer Center, and other prestigious organizations. It also offers much-needed support to patients living with multiple myeloma by providing essentials such as temporary housing during treatment, assistance with medication co-pays and living expenses, and transportation to and from medical appointments.
The foundation’s Glen Cove walk is another initiative, and a special ode to Allyn, who was an active athlete before her diagnosis. The annual event is a time to come together to pay homage to a remarkable and tenacious wife, mother, friend, and confidante, and an opportunity to make literal strides on the path to saving others from the disease that took her life. “There was no one like Allyn, nor will there ever be anyone else like her,” Ira says. “This is how we honor her. This is how we remember her.”
London Jewelers, in partnership with the Horological Society of New York, offers the Charles London Scholarship, awarding up to $5,000 to students pursuing full-time watchmaking education in the U.S. Named after the company’s founder, the scholarship supports students facing the growing challenge of covering living expenses, even as most schools offer free tuition. To date, 16 scholarships have been awarded.
It has never been just about the sale. Since Fran and Mayer’s days—when London Jewelers extended generous credit lines to customers to ensure they could afford something special—the Udell family has forged deep bonds within their community. Mark and Candy have devoted their lives to nurturing the same close relationships.
“It’s genuine,” says Debbie Spevak, manager of the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique in Manhasset. “Candy called me from her vacation last month to say she heard so-and-so had back surgery and asked me to send him a food basket, and she’s the first to send flowers on birthdays and anniversaries.”
Randi is welcomed into customers’ closets to help build their collections. Scott answers their calls in the middle of the night and searches the world over for the stones he knows they’ll adore. And Zach lives and breathes the watches that so many dedicated customers come to him for.
There is no separation between our personal life and our business life. Our customers are our friends.
– Candy
At a moment’s notice, they have been known to send a sales associate on a flight to Miami or a late-night visit to a Manhattan office when a client wanted something last minute, says Richard Cefalu, director of store operations, who joined the company in 1996. “One customer wanted an important diamond, so we sent down a selection, and they purchased a 10-carat diamond,” he recalls.
They collaborate closely with clients on custom designs. Often, those finished pieces are accompanied by beautifully framed sketches of the jewelry. It’s that extra-mile service that elevates the family to a far more meaningful place in so many of their customers’ lives.
“
Over the years, we have gone from being a store to being a trusted resource of everything luxury.
Clients
will call us not just about a watch or a piece of jewelry; they are looking to us to help them curate their lives and make their dreams come true.
– Scott “
That trust was the impetus for creating London experiences that go beyond shopping, from dinner parties where celebrity chefs cook and stars like Lionel Richie perform, to behindthe-scenes trips to visit the headquarters of top brands like Patek Philippe.
“It’s a unique opportunity to give our customers something money can’t buy,” Candy says. “It’s a chance to take them deeper into our world, to learn more about the luxury houses and the jewels they love—and to also show off all their treasures, jewelry, and watches to one other… and to sparkle, sparkle, sparkle!”
The London experience is underscored by another community too: the family’s tight-knit group of more than 300 employees. “Our employees are also part of the London family,” Mark says, noting that many have worked for the family for more than 30 years.
“ – Candy
I
look at every employee as being family.
We share important
milestones
together. We are a family. We want them to feel a real sense of belonging—a part of something special.
“
“
Huge congratulations to the Udell family and London Jewelers on this incredible milestone!
You have built an exceptional destination for luxury watches and fine jewelry. We are so proud of our long-standing partnership and wish you all continued success and prosperity for the next century and beyond.
– Dorit Engel Head of Retail USA Watches & Fine Jewelry, Chanel
“
“Few names in retail have shaped the luxury experience as profoundly as London Jewelers. Their pioneering approach to brand partnerships and client service has raised the bar across the industry. Their expansion to Short Hills marked not only a milestone for their business, but a defining moment for our center.
– Bill Taubman President and Chief Operating Officer, Taubman Realty Group
“
And they do. Many of the company’s top executives have built their careers with the family over decades. Sherry Mesh, vice president of marketing, landed her first job at the Glen Cove store at age 15, and has spent most of her career working with the Udell family. In the early days, she worked with Candy on window designs, catalogs, and inventory. She watched the fourth generation grow up, mentoring them as well as changing their diapers. And as the business grew, she grew with it.
“For over 50 years, I’ve worked side by side with Sherry every day,” Candy says. “She’s been with us for every milestone both personally and professionally.”
“
– Alec Baldwin
“ One of the best things about living out East is London Jewelers. They have always taken such good care of me and my wife!
“ Celebrating a century of elegance, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty is inspiring. The Udell family’s dedication to quality and personalized customer service has certainly stood the test of time.
– Billy Joel
“
“ “
Mark and Candy are strong businesspeople who are honest, genuine, and dedicated. I’ve learned so much from them over the years. What stands out most is the deep sense of family values and connection they bring to everything they do. Working with them has never just felt like a job; it’s felt like being part of the family.
– Sherry Mesh Vice President of Marketing and Advertising, Celebrating 50 years with London Jewelers
In 2011 and 2012, the world of high fashion met the artistry of fine jewelry in two unforgettable moments on the Victoria’s Secret runway. The Fantasy Bras, both designed and crafted by London Jewelers, became instant icons, showcasing an extraordinary level of craftsmanship and imagination.
The first, the $2.5 million Fantasy Treasure Bra, was worn by Miranda Kerr in 2011. Inspired by the sea, it featured over 3,400 natural gems, including nearly 150 carats of white and yellow diamonds, as well as pearls, citrines, and aquamarines, all set in 18-karat gold. “Seeing our design on that global stage was surreal,” recalls Candy. “It was not just about the jewels, it was a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and vision.”
In 2012, the $2.5 million Floral Fantasy Bra, worn by Alessandra Ambrosio, bloomed with over 5,200 gemstones, including amethysts, sapphires, rubies, and more than 20 carats of white diamonds.
“ “ These bras were not just statement pieces, they were wearable works of art. To have created something that is still admired today is incredibly rewarding. It speaks to the power of bold design and the timeless beauty of natural diamonds.
– Candy
“It’s a thrill to congratulate our longtime friends, London Jewelers, on their 100th anniversary. With our shared passion for celebrating life’s meaningful moments, we’ve built a lasting bond that we truly cherish. It is an honor to be part of the Udell family’s inspiring legacy.
—David and Sybil Yurman Co-Founders, David Yurman
London Jewelers is the embodiment of what it means to be a best-in-class, independent retailer. For 100 years, they have supported and elevated heritage and designer fine jewelry brands, while also safeguarding the integrity of the luxury timepieces they represent.
—Gannon Brousseau Brand Director, COUTURE.
As London Jewelers approaches its centennial, the Udell family is reflecting on its past successes and the promises of its future. The past 100 years loom large in their hearts and minds—Fran’s drive and Mayer’s hard work; Charles’ courage as a young man in a new country to build an honest business. It is this history that informs every decision and guides the family into their next century.
– Mark “ “
Just like back then, today, when you come to Manhasset, we’re all there. People see us together and that tells them what London is all about.
What lies ahead is even brighter, as a fifth generation rises, just like those before them. In Randi and her husband Scott Alper’s children—Sienna, Skye, and Sylvie—the London DNA is strong. Skye’s drawing talents show great promise for a future career in design, while Sienna clearly carries the Udell gene for sales: She sold her first watch at the age of 12. Scott’s Udell’s wife, Jessica, and their children, Blake and Mason, can often be found alongside Randi’s family attending events and volunteering at fundraising bake sales and activities.
Like their parents and grandparents, the fifth generation is already learning the importance of giving back to the community. Certainly, they have big shoes to fill.
Even if the hours are long, it never feels like work. It’s like going to a party every Saturday. We get dressed up and meet interesting clients from all over the world.
– Candy “ “
History is repeating itself in other ways, too, though it looks a little different—and a lot more glamorous. Friday nights at the Glen Cove store have been replaced by Saturdays at the Manhasset collection of boutiques, with customers filing into the family’s nine storefronts.
As for Randi, the memory of her grandparents remains a guiding force in the way she conducts business today. “I grew up in the Glen Cove store, where my parents worked alongside my grandparents, building a business rooted in trust and community. I watched the way they treated every client like family, and I learned what it meant to show up, to care, and to give your all—every single day.”
More than a business, Randi feels the weight of London Jewelers as her legacy. “It’s a legacy I’m proud to live and breathe, and a future I’m excited to shape alongside my brother and cousin, with the fifth generation on the horizon—who, like my brother, Zach, and myself, spend their free time in the stores.”
Similarly, Zach is mindful of his family’s legacy as he contemplates the future. “We’re committed to preserving what makes us who we are, even as we embrace change, growth, and innovation,” he says. Looking ahead, he recognizes that London’s clients will always be the key to their collective success. “We will continue to honor the loyalty of our longtime customers and look forward to earning the trust of new generations.”
At
100 years, the journey is far from over. With the support of the next generations, Mark continues to expand and evolve.
“ We’re not stopping. My mind is always working on what’s next.
– Mark “
Most of all, for Candy and Mark, the closing of London’s first century—a monumental feat for any business—is a reminder that every decision has been made not just for profit or prestige, but in the spirit of providing for all those who carry the Udell name. Because behind the golden LONDON letters, the most valued possession has always been, and will always be, family.
“
– Candy
“ Everything we have done has been for our children and now our grandchildren.
Everything we do is purposeful and always with the family in mind. Family is what London was built on. And family is what London will always stand for.
– Mark “ “
London Jewelers has been a part of my life and celebrations for as long as I can remember.
My daughters and I have beautiful jewelry collections from London and there will be more to come.
“ “
—Barbara
Minicozzi Friend and Client
We
are privileged and grateful to have partnered with Rolex for over 50 years on Long Island.
London Jewelers proudly announces the grand opening of its newest Rolex Boutique at 28 Newtown Lane, right in the heart of East Hampton. This exciting expansion deepens the brand’s long-standing relationship with Rolex, a partnership that spans over 50 years.
Opening this boutique in East Hampton is one of the most significant moments in our
– Mark and Candy
“ “
journey.
The new boutique is located in the historic Odd Fellows Hall, a landmark building originally built in 1897 by architect Joseph Greenleaf Thorp. Now beautifully restored, the 4,800-squarefoot space blends the heritage of East Hampton with Rolex’s timeless luxury, offering guests a refined and immersive shopping experience.
To celebrate the launch, London Jewelers hosted an exclusive cocktail party attended by a mix of loyal clients, celebrities, and friends of the brand. The evening was celebrated with champagne, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and personal tours of the boutique, which showcases Rolex’s signature design elements and attention to detail.
Star-studded guests included Mark Wahlberg, Sylvester Stallone, Josh Hart, Fat Joe, Action Bronson, Andre Branch, and more—adding a touch of Hollywood and sports glamour to one of the season’s most talked-about events.
More than just a celebration, the opening reflected the shared values between Rolex and London Jewelers: craftsmanship, legacy, and a dedication to excellence. The East Hampton Rolex Boutique is set to become a top destination for collectors and connoisseurs, marking a bold new chapter in London Jewelers’ storied history.
In the post-recession years, watchmakers get creative: Breitling launches a two-pusher chronograph; Rolex combines its self-winding Perpetual movement with the waterproof Oyster case; and Jaeger-LeCoultre creates the Reverso, an ingenious reversible case designed for British Army officers stationed in India to protect the dial during polo matches. The fine and extremely rare Cartier “Marine” Omega also emerges during this period. The Marine was the first watch to be tested at a depth exceeding 70 meters, marking a milestone in early waterproof watchmaking.
olex’s earliest waterproof watch makes international headlines when Mercedes Gleitze becomes the first British woman to swim across the English Channel with one of the brand’s timepieces on her wrist. The achievement establishes Rolex as a market leader.
orld War II influences a new generation of multi-functional, durable watches designed to support military needs, such as IWC’s Big Pilot’s Watch built for easy legibility. Patek Philippe unveils the industry’s first serial production of perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches, laying the foundation for a new category of timepieces. Bulgari introduced the first Serpenti bracelet watches, which combined the spiral band crafted using the tubogas technique.
History-making moments put performance watches in the global spotlight. During the ascent of Mount Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit, an expedition supported by Rolex, which supplied watches for testing in extreme conditions. Dive watches gained popularity with Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms, Rolex’s Submariner, and Omega’s Seamaster 300, paving the way for an entirely new category of timepieces.
uartz-powered movements began to take off inthe mid-twentieth century, led by Hamilton’s Electric 500, the first battery-powered watch for consumers, and the Ventura, made famous by Elvis Presley. Bulova’s Accutron and Seiko’s Astron soon followed, sparking the global quartz craze. Around the same time, TAG Heuer introduced the Monaco, celebrated for its bold square case and innovative design. This era also saw Rolex release the Cosmograph Reference 6239, later known as the Daytona. In 1969, astronaut Buzz Aldrin wore Omega’s Speedmaster Professional chronograph when he walked on the moon, securing its place among the most iconic watches in history.
The worlds of watches and autos collide: Jack Heuer’s namesake brand becomes Scuderia Ferrari’s sponsor and official timekeeper, marking the industry’s first foray into Formula One. Piaget becomes a breakout brand with dynamic timepieces that feature colorful hard-stone dials and bold gold bracelets—a sign of the decade’s bold style.
Audemars Piguet released the world’s first series-produced automatic tourbillon wristwatch. IWC followed with the Da Vinci, introducing the first perpetual calendar that could be fully adjusted via the crown, eliminating the need for recessed pushers. Rolex unveiled the Ref. 16550 GMT-Master II, notable for its independently adjustable 24-hour hand and one of the brand’s earliest uses of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Meanwhile, Swatch transformed the market with affordable, colorful, and playful plastic watches, playing a key role in revitalizing Swiss watchmaking after the quartz crisis.
With the emergence of the internet, watch enthusiasts have unrivaled access to information. A new generation of collectors emerge. High complications continue to be status symbols, from Vacheron Constantin’s Minute Repeater to Blancpain’s 1735 Grande Complication with 744 pieces. Patek Philippe launches the iconic slogan, “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.
atches get bigger, bolder, and more colorful. Hublot’s Big Bang is unveiled in titanium, carbon fiber, and rubber, starting a trend in unique materials. Other brands follow with ultra-lightweight titanium, ceramic, and silicon for added functionality and style.
Watch aficionados compete for limited-edition, multiple-complication timepieces from prestigious brands such as Audemars Piguet, including the Montauk Highway edition designed for London Jewelers, Patek Philippe, and Rolex. At the same time, new editions of iconic models and pre-owned mid-century watches from Rolex, Omega, and Cartier are fueling a renewed appreciation for tried-and-true classics.
Diversity reigns: Watches are being scaled down, integrated bracelets are gaining popularity (Cartier’s new Baignoire bangle model sells out), retro pre-owned models continue to see high demand, and nostalgic designs are revived by brands like Rolex and Jaeger-LeCoultre.
H. Moser & Cie. introduced the Streamliner collection. There is more to come—stay tuned for the next wave of innovations and releases.
An era of creative jewelry design commences: Suzanne Belperron breaks with tradition with her curvaceous, carved semiprecious jewels, emphasizing volume over embellishment. Van Cleef & Arpels patents its Mystery Set technique, using it in lavish ruby and sapphire floral designs. Cartier, Boucheron, and Boivin combine unconventional stones and materials in bold and colorful yet refined styles. And Verdura, designing for Coco Chanel, creates the iconic Maltese Cross cuffs—as daring, elegant, and stylish as the era itself.
he Art Deco movement defines jewelry design with strong geometric shapes, refined lines, and a new sense of modernity. Boucheron expresses the aesthetic with sleek black lacquer, diamonds, and rock crystals. Cartier creates striking geometric diamond designs featuring onyx and coral, and spearheads the Egyptian Revival jewelry movement.
During World War II, diamonds and other precious stones became scarce, prompting designers to turn to semiprecious gems such as amethyst, citrine, and topaz to create modern, innovative designs. After the war, jewelry took on a lighter, more playful tone, featuring motifs like flowers, animals, and ribbons. Brooches—especially those by Cartier—became essential accessories, often worn on coats, hats, and even in the hair. In 1947, De Beers introduced the iconic slogan “A Diamond Is Forever,” cementing the diamond engagement ring as the ultimate symbol of love and commitment.
WWith new wealth and economic prosperity comes a desire for bigger statement jewelry. From wide gold collars and jeweled necklaces to gemmy cocktail rings and diamond brooches, jewelry is elevated to a statement of status. Van Cleef & Arpels unveils the playful Zip necklace, soon to become one of its most iconic styles. Marilyn Monroe, adorned in Harry Winston diamonds, famously sings “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” —a sparkling anthem that captures the era’s glitzy allure.
Jewelry reflects a paradigm shift in culture: Everything is bigger, bolder, and more experimental, with abstract and pop art–inspired pieces ruling the style of the day. Long geometric necklaces, large hoop earrings, and bangles align with the mod fashion. The era’s biggest hits include Bulgari’s glamorous Serpenti, David Webb’s colorful animal bangles, Van Cleef & Arpels’s Alhambra motif, and Buccellati’s wide gold textured cuffs. Aldo Cipullo designs the Juste un Clou bracelet for Cartier, and a new icon is born.
The disco era ushers in a time of fashionable fun. Layered chunky gold necklaces and bracelets, along with oversized hoop earrings, define the look—exemplified by designs like Marina B’s pearl collar. Expressive designs prevail, as seen in Van Cleef & Arpels’ gold and hard-stone astrological pendants to Bulgari’s vibrant cabochon-cut gemstone jewels. On Halston’s runway, Elsa Peretti debuts her iconic Bone Cuff, capturing a sensuous and empowering new aesthetic.
“More is more” becomes the fashion credo of the era, with jewelry turning ultraglamorous and unapologetically flashy. Ornate necklaces, bold statement earrings, and multi-strand pearl collars dominate the scene. From Elizabeth Taylor’s dazzling jewels to the opulent style of Dynasty, diamonds are everywhere—and consumers can’t get enough. Big studs, sleek tennis bracelets, and wide gold-and-diamond cuffs are all the rage, now accessible at every budget. Meanwhile, Buccellati explores new materials such as enamel, creating lively and transgressive bangle bracelets and cuffs that push the boundaries of traditional design.
Jewelry gets romantic and personal. Chokers layered with necklaces, heart-and-butterfly motifs, and lockets speak to the desire for self-expression. Designer jewelry brands take off. David Yurman’s twisted Cable bracelet in mixed metals becomes a bestseller. Chanel launches its first fine jewelry collection with signature motifs in gold, diamonds, and gems.
Jewelry today is experimental, colorful, and daring. Designers like Vhernier use ceramic, titanium, and aluminum to create vivid colors not found in gemstones, resulting in pieces that are voluminous yet ultra-lightweight. Diamond designs, such as Messika bracelets, are fashionable, fresh, and perfect for daytime wear. High-profile auction sales have also made headlines, fueling a growing mindset of jewelry as an investment.
Agreat era of discovery leads jewelers to showcase designs in tanzanite, spinel, Paraiba tourmaline, and other lesserknown stones. Important houses such as Verdura and David Webb tap into a growing enthusiasm for legacy styles by remaking original designs for a new generation of collectors.
The focus turns to craftsmanship, heritage, and connection. Designers lean into custommade pieces and age-old craft techniques. Jewelry houses create important high jewelry collections referencing their illustrious pasts while embracing a contemporary aesthetic. The brooch returns—this time, for men too— and genderless jewelry becomes the norm. Everyone looks to the red carpet for the latest jewelry designs and trends. The red carpet is the ultimate showcase for the latest jewelry trends, such as Bulgari, where A-list celebrities dazzle in an array of show-stopping diamonds and brilliant gemstones.
It is undisputed that for over a century, London Jewelers has exemplified the finest traditions of our industry.
London Jewelers and the Udell family have not only redefined excellence, but their steadfast generosity, hard work, and compassion have profoundly enriched every community they serve.
—Sarin Bachmann Senior Vice President, JCK
Mark and Candy embody a rare blend of creative vision and strategic excellence. Candy’s refined eye transforms materials into elegant, original designs, while Mark’s commitment to quality and service ensures every interaction reflects your high standards. Their attention to detail and genuine warmth set them apart. From thoughtful displays to heartfelt hospitality, each visit leaves a lasting impression. With Randi, Scott, and Zach now part of the family legacy, the Udells continue to elevate a century-old tradition—solidifying their place as the quintessential family jeweler.
“
—Moshe Klein CEO, Grandview Klein Diamond Group
As we celebrate this incredible milestone of 100 years, we find ourselves looking back not just at the years, but at the moments. The moments that made us smile. The ones that made us grow. And, most of all, the ones we shared with you.
Reaching a century in business isn’t just a number. It’s a story written by generations of hard work, heart, and hope. We think often about those early days … the courage it took to dream big, the hands that built the foundation, and the values that have guided us all these years. We feel incredibly lucky to carry that legacy forward.
To our loyal customers, you’ve been the heartbeat of our journey. Thank you for allowing us to be there for life’s most treasured moments. Whether it was a first anniversary, a once-in-a-lifetime engagement, a gift “just because,” or a small token to say “I love you,” you invited us into your stories and that has meant the world to us.
To our remarkable employees past and present, you are the soul of everything we’ve accomplished. Your dedication, your care, your everyday excellence: It has meant more than we can ever express. You’ve built something that goes far beyond business. You’ve built a family.
We also want to express our sincere appreciation to the vendor partnerships who have supported us along the way. Your commitment to quality and collaboration has played an essential role in helping us reach this milestone.
Every anniversary, every memory shared, every new face who became part of our world—all of it matters. Whether you’ve been with us for decades or just joined us recently, you’ve helped shape this journey. You’ve helped create something lasting and beautiful. This celebration isn’t just about looking back; it’s about feeling grateful for every single moment, and looking ahead with the same hope and heart that got us here.
Thank you, truly, for being part of our 100-year story. We cherish each of you more than words can say.
With love and deepest appreciation,
Mark & Candy Udell
Jeweler of the Year, New York State Jewelers Association (Mark and Candy Udell), honored for excellence in the jewelry industry
Retailer Hall of Fame Inductee, National Jeweler (Single-Store Independent category) — Recognized for exceptional achievement in jewelry retailing and leadership at London Jewelers. (Mark Udell)
Women’s Jewelry Association Award for Excellence/Retail (Candy Udell), recognized for outstanding achievements in retail
2006
Women of Distinction Award, InSync magazine (Candy Udell), honored for her industry impact
America’s Coolest Stores–Big Cool, TWO by London, honored for innovative concept store design and retail vision
2013
Jeweler of the Year, New York State Jewelers Association (Mark Udell), recognizing outstanding achievement in the jewelry industry.
Single-Store Independent Retailer Award (Mark Udell), honoring excellence in retail management, customer service, and community.
AGS Triple Zero Award (Mark and Candy Udell), awarded by the American Gem Society for exceptional standards in ethics, education, and consumer protection
Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business (Candy Udell), honored by Long Island Business News
America’s Coolest Stores–Big Cool Division, London Jewelers recognized by INSTORE magazine for innovative retailand customer experience
Women’s Jewelry Association Hall of Fame (Candy Udell), inducted for lifetime achievements 2022
WatchPro USA Hot 100, Mark and Candy Udell named among influential figures in the American watch industry
2023
National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame Inductee (Candy Udell), recognized for her leadership of London Jewelers and significant contributions to the jewelry retail sector.
2026
Gem Lifetime Achievement Award, awarded to the Udells for their enduring legacy and contributions to the jewelry industry
2024
WatchPro USA Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Mark and Candy Udell for decades of leadership in the American watch industry
Community Impact Award, Diamonds Do Good Awards, honoring their philanthropic commitment and community service
From our family to yours, 100 years of trusted service, quality, and integrity. Showcasing the world’s finest luxury brands, from unique timepieces to exquisite jewelry. London Jewelers is the destination for it all.
With love, Candy and Mark