London Jewelers enthusiastically celebrates many holidays.
But if you ask the president of the retailer, Candy Udell, to pick a favorite, it might be Mother’s Day.
“As a mother and grandmother, it goes straight to my heart,” she tells Alexa. “I love the feeling of appreciation from my children and grandchildren. This is the day to show honor, respect and admiration for the women in your life who helped make you who you are.”
To that end, the luxury emporium offers gifts galore intended to make moms beam.
Surefire hits from iconic brands include the Cartier Love bracelet (“a classic,” says Udell, who points to a newer open-ended iteration that doesn’t require a screwdriver to remove) and the four-leaf-clover-inspired Alhambra collection from Van Cleef & Arpels (“a timeless symbol of luck”).
She calls out baubles from Bulgari’s Serpenti and Chanel’s Coco Crush collections, as well as Buccellati pieces, which she describes as “light, easy to wear and utterly gorgeous.”
And she notes that jewels in David Yurman’s shop appeal to “all ages.”
Udell also encourages clients to explore beyond those famous brands. “We are always adding others that may be less familiar but are fresh, equally eye-appealing and so beautifully crafted,” she says.
Among the glittering goods: Vhernier’s architectural titanium statement makers, Anita Ko’s modern bling and Pasquale Bruni’s feminine focus on flowers.
London Jewelers’ ever-evolving inventory also includes new-to-the-mix Marina B, a collection so stunning that it enticed Udell herself, who couldn’t resist buying a turquoise ring, which she often wears.
When shopping for new moms, personalization is the magic charm.
Or charms, as the case may be. Udell says that pieces emblazoned with babies’ names or initials, or the word “Mom,” are always favorites. “It’s a really nice touch,” she says. “There’s an engraver on site and you can usually get letters, a name or words inscribed while you wait.”
Udell also suggests thinking outside the box for your special someone. “There’s no such thing as ‘matchy-matchy’ anymore. It’s all about individual pieces, being creative and choosing jewelry mom will get pleasure from every day.”
Always a fan of color, she recommends elevating a more subdued collection with bright and sparkly shades. “I love the idea of mingling emeralds or pink sapphires with the unexpected such as gold basics to make it festive and different. It shows off your flavor.”
There are plenty of brilliant hues from London’s own brand turned out in ear climbers, danglers and cocktail rings, along with Pomellato’s dazzling Nudo pieces, as well as new vendor Suzanne Kalan’s extraordinary, boldly colored baguettes.
For last-minute shoppers, the famously hospitable Udell will host an in-store extravaganza at London’s Manhasset flagship on May 12 and May 13, featuring tulips galore from a flower cart, passed hors d’oeuvres, drinks and a couple of fabulous pop-ups and trunk shows.
On the 12th, a representative from the Zoë Chicco brand will flaunt a huge selection of bespoke charms, some peppered with diamonds and semiprecious stones.
The following day, earring maven Maria Tash will offer piercings, designing perfectly anatomical “ear parties” for customers with the help of a stylist and (naturally) selling her wares, which include hoops, drops, chains, spikes and diamond details.
You can even invite mom to join you in the festivities. After all, the gift of jewelry resonates far beyond the moment it’s received.
“It lasts a lifetime, and you can never go wrong with heritage pieces,” says Udell, who still wears treasures inherited from her own mother and grandmother. Legacy is a through line for London Jewelers: Her husband Mark’s grandfather founded the iconic retailer in 1926, and it’s still run by several generations of the family.
As for Udell’s message to moms on Mother’s Day? “Cherish every moment, feel blessed and show your sparkle.”
All available at London Jewelers, 2046 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, LI
Beyond all the bling at London Jewelers, you’ll find a gallery stocked with gorgeous gifts
If you can tear yourself away from the enormous display of jewels and watches at London Jewelers’ Manhasset flagship and glide up the dramatic staircase, you’ll find (surprise!) an overstocked gift gallery.
It’s here that President Candy Udell has curated a wide selection of presents for virtually every occasion and price point. “It’s a wonderland of beautiful objects from all around the world,” she says.
New to the mix? Handmade stools, chairs and benches from Belgium-based AP Collection featuring soft and sculptural stuffed animals made of recycled plastic.
The comfy seating makes for a jaw-dropping visual. “They’re of art gallery quality,” Udell says of the stop-you-in-your-tracks works.
You can also find stacks of handsome Assouline books on a variety of subjects, and popular Baccarat butterfly objets in many colors.
Flower lovers will delight in long-lasting Venus et Fleur rose arrangements, which can be personalized.
There are crystal brands aplenty, including Lalique, William Yeoward, Simon Pearce and Daum.
They’re intermixed with MacKenzie-Childs tea sets, plates and dishes; loads of fragrant candles; photo frames in dozens of styles, as well as sculptural serving pieces and home accessories from Michael Aram, Jay Strongwater and Georg Jensen.
And yes, there’s even a little costume jewelry tucked away, including handsome men’s cufflinks and rare vintage Chanel pieces.
For the younger set, a new KatieJNYC clothing pop-up (happening May 12) will offer matching mother-daughter pajamas.
Those shopping for babies (or their proud parents) will go gaga for an adorable array of blankets, clothes and toys which can be assembled in bountiful gift baskets.
Of course, Udell, a consummate animal lover, couldn’t resist adding a bit of canine cachet as well.
Find pet treats, accessories and a line of duds from the Doodle Couture brand, including doggy denim vests. “It’s really cute stuff,” she says.
The jewelry maven describes the airy, second-floor space as elegant. “There are so many fresh ideas when it comes to gifts here,” she says. “We do things in an Old World way and that includes lovely gift-wrapping and store shoppers who will go above and beyond to find just the right present for the right person.”
London Jewelers’ VP Randi Udell Alper awards Mother’s Day metals
Winner’s circle
“I’m loving bold, gold tubogas, and the London Collection offers some newer pieces that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s forever jewelry — wear it now or in 30 years. It never goes out of style.”
Aloha state
“I’m obsessed with these Buccellati Hawaii earrings. They’re very different but so light and airy. A must in everybody’s jewelry box.”
In the loop
“Marina B’s collars are so modern and chic. They’re perfect for the ball or the bash. They’re lightweight and comfortable — you don’t feel like you’re wearing anything at all — but they make a huge statement.”
Scale up
“Bulgari Serpenti Viper bracelets fit into any jewelry wardrobe. Stack them with everything you own.”
London Jewelers’ VP Scott Udell on spring’s sweetest sparkles
Skip a beat
“Heart-shaped diamond solitaire pendants hanging from a thin chain are a really sweet and memorable gift. The pendants work for all different budgets depending on the size of the diamond, and you can wear them with anything.”
Emerald city
“All things chokers are very hip these days, especially with colored stones. It’s a timeless category. Consider one from the London Collection with emeralds set in yellow gold — it’s so sexy and can be worn alone or layered.”
Circle up
“Stretchy eternity-band rings are very popular right now because they’re so comfortable and fit everyone. In diamonds or colored stones, they’re a jewelry wardrobe staple and always a hit.”
Love letter
“We’re seeing a lot of diamond nameplate necklaces and bracelets with kids’ initials and birth dates, and these seem to be particularly treasured by new moms.”
London Jewelers’ VP Zach Udell shares Mother’s Day picks from the retailer’s watch salon
For multitasking mamas
“With the addition of diamonds, this is such a fun, updated interpretation of the original. It’s very versatile — you can wear it every day or to the big bash. It’s sort of a twofer with its second calfskin band — they’ve made it really easy to change the straps with a ‘QuickSwitch’ interchangeability system. You don’t need a YouTube video to figure out how.”
For boss baes
“It’s perfect for the high-powered executive or jet-setter with its 24-city time zones that you can change with a push of a button. The olive-green basket-weave dial and calfskin band really set it apart. For someone who appreciates fine watchmaking, it’s a statement piece.”
For sleek sophisticates
“While it’s very much in line with the Bulgari style, the bracelet is smoother and mimics the scales of a serpent. It straddles the divide between an elegant timepiece and gorgeous piece of jewelry. A standout.”
For flower (power) moms
“A fresh and feminine take from the classic watch brand, the diamond-centered flowers are such a unique touch. It’s a great everyday watch that you can wear on the soccer field or dress up for the evening.”