Events & AwardsSep 23, 2024
Longtime New England Jeweler to Receive Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementEvents & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement
Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.
Mark and Candy Udell are the owners of London Jewelers, a New York-based jewelry retailer that will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026.
New York—Jewelers of America has announced that Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers are the recipients of the 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement.
The couple will receive the honors at next year’s gala, which will take place March 13, 2026, in New York.
“We are thrilled to present the Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement to Mark and Candy Udell. Together they have built an incredible business that relies heavily on family values and a commitment to excellence in everything they do,” said Amanda Gizzi, JA’s senior vice president of corporate affairs.
“As London Jewelers prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary, we are honored to recognize Mark and Candy and their lifetime of success that has inspired the jewelry industry as well as their next generation.”
The Udells are the owners of London Jewelers, the jewelry retail business founded by Mark’s maternal grandfather, Charles London, in 1926.
The duo transformed what began as a single-store business into a multi-store luxury operation known for innovation, craftsmanship, and unparalleled customer service, said JA.
Together, they have driven major milestones for London Jewelers, including the 2025 opening of the first-ever Rolex boutique in East Hampton, New York, the continued expansion of their flagship store in Manhasset, New York, and the opening of a store at The Mall at Short Hills in New Jersey.
They are also mentoring the fourth generation—their daughter Randi, son Scott, and nephew Zachary—in carrying forward the retailer’s values of integrity, innovation, excellence, and treating every customer like family.
Related stories will be right here …
The couple will receive the honors at next year’s gala, which will take place March 13, 2026, in New York.
“We are thrilled to present the Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement to Mark and Candy Udell. Together they have built an incredible business that relies heavily on family values and a commitment to excellence in everything they do,” said Amanda Gizzi, JA’s senior vice president of corporate affairs.
“As London Jewelers prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary, we are honored to recognize Mark and Candy and their lifetime of success that has inspired the jewelry industry as well as their next generation.”
The Udells are the owners of London Jewelers, the jewelry retail business founded by Mark’s maternal grandfather, Charles London, in 1926.
The duo transformed what began as a single-store business into a multi-store luxury operation known for innovation, craftsmanship, and unparalleled customer service, said JA.
Together, they have driven major milestones for London Jewelers, including the 2025 opening of the first-ever Rolex boutique in East Hampton, New York, the continued expansion of their flagship store in Manhasset, New York, and the opening of a store at The Mall at Short Hills in New Jersey.
They are also mentoring the fourth generation—their daughter Randi, son Scott, and nephew Zachary—in carrying forward the retailer’s values of integrity, innovation, excellence, and treating every customer like family.
The Udells have previously been honored, as individuals, in National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame.
Mark was inducted in 1992, and Candy was inducted in 2023.
At the 2026 gala, the Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement will be given alongside the Gem Awards for Jewelry Design, Media Excellence and Retail Innovation.
Nominations for the three latter awards are open until July 30.
For nomination guidelines, as well as tickets, sponsorship packages, and advertising opportunities for the 2026 Gem Awards, visit its website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt StullerStuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold? Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November BirthdaysCitrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort LauderdaleThe family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board ChairThe trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
CrimeOct 27, 2025
Arrests Made in Louvre Jewel Heist One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate JobsThe retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.
