London Jewelers owners win Lifetime Achievement accolade

Mark and Candy Udell, owners of London Jewelers, have won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th annual GEM Awards.

Responsible for expanding the business from its original Glen Cove location to an 18-store network across Long Island and New Jersey, the pair have already received a plethora of accolades in their time.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an institution or individual whose contributions to the luxury watch and jewelry industry have set a standard of excellence that serves to inspire the rest of the industry.

They follow in the footsteps of John A. Green, the president and CEO of Lux Bond & Green, who won the Lifetime Achievement Award at last year’s GEM Awards.

Mark joined the business in 1973 as the grandson of its founder Charles London and brought with him a lifelong passion for watches and relationships with top brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Cartier.

In that same year, he married Candy, who played an essential role in helping to shape the company’s identity and customer experience through her background in communications, and she now sits as the president of London Jewelers.

They also have been involved in significant philanthropic initiatives, working with over 100 charities, as well as setting up Candy’s Rescue Paw Foundation which funds no-kill animal shelters and spay/neuter programs.

The couple are now mentoring the fourth generation of London Jewelers in Randi, Scott, and Zach — their daughter, son, and nephew respectively.