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The London Jewelers Legacy Celebrates 100 Years
How the Udell’s turned one small store into a retail dynasty.
The Udell family at their Manhasset flagship store. (Courtesy of London Jewelers)
When Candy and Mark Udell opened the Rolex boutique in an historic cedar-shingled house in East Hampton in August, it was a major event that drew friends, celebrities, and clients from near and far. Once again, the Udells raised the retail bar: The welcoming home on Newtown Lane is surrounded by gardens, with a concierge, lounge, bar, and intimate viewing rooms. If anyone knows how to bring a retail experience to life, to make it personal, luxurious, and fun, it is the Udell family. As the owners of London Jewelers, it’s a skill they have honed for 100 years.
That personal touch, the sense of home and family, is ingrained in the Udells, something that started with Mark’s grandparents and parents, something they proudly uphold today.
Meet the Author
- Jill Newman is a jewelry authority, editor, and storyteller with over 25 years of experience, having reported from diamond mines in Africa, cutting workshops in India and Belgium, and ateliers around the world.
- She serves as Editor-at-Large for the Natural Diamond Council, with additional bylines in The New York Times, Town & Country, Elle Décor, and Robb Report.
London Jewelers: The Secret to Success
“In retail, you have to keep evolving,” Mark says. 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.
The secret to London Jewelers’ success, however, isn’t found in its exceptional jewelry and watches or prestigious clientele – though they are impressive. Instead, it rests in the values established by founder Charles London: delivering exceptional service, embracing community, and prioritizing family. Each subsequent generation thoughtfully expanded on his vision, transforming a single storefront into a pillar of the jewelry and watch world – a testament to the power of the family jeweler.
While the Udell name commands respect throughout the industry – Candy and Mark, along with their children Scott and Randi Udell-Alper, and nephew Zachary – not everyone knows the inspiring heritage behind the family’s glamorous stores, star-studded events, and gorgeous jewels and watches.
The Beginning of London Jewelers
The story begins in the 1920s, when a young Polish immigrant, a whiz at fixing watches and clocks, arrived on Long Island’s Gold Coast, where America’s titans of industry, including the Whitneys, Vanderbilts, and Astors, built their palatial mansions. Mr. London became their trusted tradesman, visiting their homes weekly to maintain the intricate clocks.
It didn’t take long for him to garner a local following, who encouraged him to open his first watch and jewelry store in 1926 in Glen Cove, Long Island. Within a few years, he saved enough money to bring his wife and children to America.
From a young age, his daughter Fran was drawn to the business and worked alongside her father, learning the trade. When she married Mayer Udell, she convinced him to join her in the family business. “My grandfather taught my father everything he knew about watchmaking and jewelry repair and engraving, and my father had a skill for it,” Mark says.
Fran was the heart and soul of the business. Warm and welcoming, she often greeted clients with an embrace, creating bonds that transcended mere transactions. “That kindness is still remembered in 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’.”
Fran and Mayer turned London Jewelers into the neighborhood’s most trusted source for jewelry and watches. Soon, their children, Mark and Ira, were in the store helping after school and on weekends. From a young age, Mark was drawn to the excitement of the business but had his own vision of how to build it. After college in Miami, he returned to Long Island with his new wife, Candy, and big ideas. First on the list was securing distribution for the mighty Rolex brand. His persistence paid off, and after he landed Rolex, then came Patek Philippe, and a succession of prestigious brands.
The Evolution of London Jewelers
There’s nothing better in life than working with your kids.
When Candy and Mark opened a second store at Wheatley Plaza on Long Island, they began showcasing jewelry and watches as collections, including David Yurman, in what they said were the first shop-in-shop concepts. In 1984, they made a life-changing decision when they opened a boutique in Americana Manhasset, Long Island’s luxury shopping destination. This single location has since evolved into nine London-owned storefronts, including Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, TWO by London, and London’s watch store. They had a knack for opening locations in the right places: They opened a location in the Hamptons and storefronts in New Jersey’s prestigious The Mall at Short Hills, including locations for Van Cleef & Arpels, Rolex, Panerai, and Vacheron Constantin.
London Jewelers: A Family Affair
Over the years, the Udells solidified their standing as one of this country’s premier independent jewelers. As they grew, it was only natural that the third generation would join too. “Our children grew up watching their parents and grandparents build the business,” Candy says. “They saw the hard work, the love and passion for the business – and they naturally felt it too.”
Both Randi Udell-Alper and Scott Udell worked for other companies in the industry before joining the family enterprise. Early on, Randi showed a talent for design. “I gravitated toward working alongside my mom because we’re both creative, and that applies to everything we do,” Randi says.
Scott developed a passion for diamonds and gemstones and spearheaded the TWO by London engagement ring concept. “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,” he says. However, both are involved in every aspect of the business.
Zachary Udell, son of Ira and the late Allyn Udell, started off working in the store like everyone else. His grandfather, Mayer, recognized his interest in watches and taught him the traditional methods of fixing clocks and watches. He’s the resident watch specialist.
“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.”
London Jewelers has thrived, all thanks to generations of family committed to building a business based on passion, trust, service – and always, family first.
