Hampton Style - August 1, 2008 - Genes and Gems at London Jewelers

Founded in 1926, London Jewelers have surely stood the test of time, while also managing to successfully sell noteworthy timepieces alongside fine jewelry at luxurious Long Island outposts in Southampton, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Greenvale and Manhasset. With a newly opened watch salon in the Americana Manhasset shopping center, the family-owned business continues to coax the cognoscenti with their luxury offerings.

Four generations after its inception, the Udell family remains close to their roots, committing themselves unfailingly to glamorous living. Current proprietors Candy and Mark Udell travel the globe in search of the best jewelry in the world and bring it to our doorstep.

All wrapped up in a chic little box-or sometimes, in a walk-in humidor-the retailer's offerings are wonderfully decadent and extend in all directions. The Manhasset-based salon boasts a 96-square-foot walk-in humidor with an elaborate range of cigars and customized cigar storage. On the third floor of the East Hampton store, formerly the town's Masonic Building, an audiovisual room serves as a meeting place for high-profilers who like to slip in anonymously. Private functions and movie screenings are often held in the secret room. Most recently, the jewelers introduced VIP shopping services to their best customers. Members of London Calling, as it is named, receive personalized service courtesy of Randi Udell in the member's own home or in one of the five store locations.

The luxury emporium first sprouted up in Glen Cove under the auspices of Charles London, a savvy businessman with an instinct for fine jewelry. Opened during the golden age of the roaring twenties, his namesake boutique managed to survive even through the depression. Not only did his company endure America's most notorious economic slump, but the luxe-retailer is shrugging off today's climate as well. The East Hampton branch, where an average summer season watch sells for $10,000, is not feeling the sting of the current economic slump. If anything, store manager Ed Dressler claims sales are up since last June, pointing to the influx of Europeans to the Hamptons this year as the source of this balancing act. New this season is the limited-edition Hampton Hublot watch, priced at $17,500. The watch has a black ceramic matte finish and resembles something James Bond might wear; elegant but very hi-tech.

With son Scott holding the title of gemologist and daughter Randi expanding on her jewelry line, Randi Elyse, the expression "it's all in the family" rings true for the Udells. Randi and Scott grew up in the store, just as their father, Mark, had before them. Randi describes her transition into designing as a natural one. Her enthusiasm portends well for the future-and for a fifth and sixth generation at London Jewelers.