A Century of Sparkle: Mark and Candy Udell to Receive Jewelers of America’s Prestigious Gem Lifetime Achievement Award
In the glittering world of fine jewelry and horology, where legacies are measured in carats and generations, few names shine as brightly as Mark and Candy Udell. The dynamic husband-and-wife duo, the visionary stewards of London Jewelers, are set to receive one of the industry’s most coveted accolades. Jewelers of America (JA) has proudly announced that the Udells will be the honored recipients of the 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement, a testament to their extraordinary impact on the landscape of luxury retail.
This prestigious honor will be presented during the 24th annual Gem Awards gala, an event often described as the “Academy Awards of the jewelry industry.” The ceremony is scheduled for the evening of Friday, March 13, 2026, at the magnificent Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, a fittingly grand venue to celebrate a lifetime of brilliance. The award recognizes the Udells not just for their commercial success, but for their profound dedication to family, community, and the art of jewelry itself, especially as their iconic business, London Jewelers, approaches its historic 100th anniversary.
Amanda Gizzi, JA’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, captured the essence of their contribution in a statement. “Mark and Candy Udell are pillars of our industry. They have built an incredible business that relies heavily on family values and a commitment to excellence in everything they do,” Gizzi remarked. “Their story is one of passion, innovation, and unwavering integrity. As London Jewelers prepares to celebrate their 100th anniversary, we are honored to recognize Mark and Candy and their lifetime of success.”
From a Single Dream to a Dynastic Empire
The story of London Jewelers is a quintessential American dream, woven through four generations of family dedication. The journey began not in London, England, but in Glen Cove, New York, in 1926. It was here that a gifted watchmaker and visionary named Charles London opened a small, humble jewelry and clock shop with a simple yet profound mission: to offer exceptional quality and unparalleled service to his community. This foundation of trust and craftsmanship became the bedrock upon which a future empire would be built.
The Visionaries: The Entrance of Mark and Candy Udell
The transformational chapter of the London Jewelers saga began when the torch was passed to the second generation, Charles’s son-in-law, Mayer Udell. However, it was the third generation—Mayer’s son, Mark Udell, and his wife, Candy—who would elevate the family business to unimaginable new heights. Mark, having grown up in the business, possessed an innate understanding of its mechanics and a burgeoning passion for complicated timepieces. Candy brought a fresh, dynamic perspective, with an impeccable eye for fashion, design, and the evolving desires of the modern luxury consumer.
Together, they were a force of nature. They didn’t just manage the store; they reimagined it. They envisioned a destination that was more than just a place to buy a watch or a ring. It was to be a sanctuary of luxury, an emporium of the world’s most sought-after brands, and a place where clients became family. They relocated the business to the prestigious “Miracle Mile” in Manhasset, New York, a strategic move that placed them at the heart of a discerning and affluent clientele. This flagship location became a beacon of luxury on Long Island, renowned for its breathtaking selection and intimately personal service.
Under their leadership, a single storefront blossomed into a nationally recognized, multi-location powerhouse. Their synergy was their secret weapon: Mark’s deep expertise in horology secured partnerships with the most exclusive watchmakers in the world, while Candy’s curatorial genius and marketing savvy transformed the showroom floors into galleries of wearable art.
The London Jewelers Experience: More Than a Transaction
What truly sets the Udells’ achievement apart is the culture they have cultivated. The reason London Jewelers inspires such fierce loyalty is because a visit is never merely a transaction. It is an experience steeped in warmth, expertise, and a genuine celebration of life’s most precious moments.
A Culture of Family and Excellence
The phrase “family values” is not just a marketing slogan for the Udells; it is the operational blueprint of their business. They have fostered an environment where every customer is treated with the same care and respect as a member of their own family. Their team of associates are not just salespeople; they are trusted advisors who share in the joy of an engagement, the celebration of an anniversary, or the marking of a personal milestone. This philosophy extends from their Manhasset flagship to every new location they open. It is this profound commitment to the human connection that has turned first-time buyers into lifelong clients and, in many cases, close family friends.
Curating the World’s Finest Collections
A key part of the Udells’ success has been their uncanny ability to anticipate trends and curate an unparalleled portfolio of brands. They transformed London Jewelers into a veritable nirvana for connoisseurs. The showcases glitter with creations from legendary jewelry houses like Cartier, Bulgari, David Webb, and Pomellato. For watch aficionados, the selection is breathtaking, featuring horological titans such as Patek Philippe, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin. Mark and Candy traveled the world, building personal relationships with these heritage brands, ensuring that London Jewelers was always at the forefront of luxury innovation and design.
Strategic Expansion and a Glimpse into the Future
Never content to rest on their laurels, Mark and Candy have always looked toward the horizon. Their recent strategic expansions are a clear indication of their forward-thinking vision. In 2025, they unveiled a stunning, state-of-the-art Rolex boutique in the chic summer enclave of East Hampton, catering to a sophisticated clientele in one of the nation’s most exclusive destinations. That same year, they crossed state lines, opening a magnificent fifth store in The Mall at Short Hills in New Jersey, a premier luxury shopping center. These moves solidified their status not just as a New York institution, but as a major player on the national retail stage.
Passing the Torch: The Fourth Generation Steps Forward
Perhaps the most enduring part of the Udells’ legacy is their successful mentorship of the next generation. They have seamlessly integrated their children, Randi and Scott, and their nephew, Zachary, into the fabric of the company, ensuring that the founding values will carry on for another century. Each brings a unique skill set to the table. Randi Udell Alper, as a buyer and style director, infuses the collections with contemporary flair. Scott Udell lends his expertise to the operations and the world of high-end watches, while Zachary Udell focuses on brand development and client relations. This fourth generation is not just inheriting a business; they are actively shaping its future, blending timeless tradition with digital-age innovation.
As London Jewelers prepares to pop the champagne for its 100th anniversary, the Jewelers of America Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement serves as the perfect tribute. It honors the journey from a small clock shop to a luxury dynasty. More importantly, it celebrates Mark and Candy Udell—two visionaries whose passion, partnership, and unwavering commitment to excellence have not only built a remarkable business but have also left an indelible, glittering mark on the entire jewelry industry. Their legacy is a brilliant reminder that the most precious gems in any family business are the values passed from one generation to the next.
