#Top jewelry gifts for 2021, according to London Jewelers

It’s p-a-r-t-y time at the dazzling, recently renovated London Jewelers flagship in Manhasset, LI. “We’re finally starting to celebrate again,” says Candy Udell, London’s president. “And to mark special occasions with beautiful things.”  

Those new freedoms have led to a spike in demand. “It’s like coming out of hibernation,” she says. “We lost a year of our lives and now we’re looking forward to real-life festivities and reconnecting with the people we love at small events — birthday parties, baby namings, anniversaries. And brides can actually visualize the wedding of their dreams.”

Jewelry may play a tangible role in reconnecting with real life. “It marks every occasion for every age,” Udell says. “It punctuates the happiness we are all finally beginning to feel. And it is heritage, when life has been so fragile.”

How to get this party started? Vibrant gemstones are among Udell’s favorite picks right now. “I’m really loving color for spring and summer,” she says, calling out the store’s “rainbow jewelry” that includes wedding bands, necklaces, earrings and bracelets gleaming with gems, such as sapphires and amethysts in a spectrum of shades, or a mixture of stones in a kaleidoscope of hues. 

Symbols of protection, gratitude and affection are standouts as well. “Evil eyes are a whole separate category, and with Mother’s Day right around the corner, pieces that spell out ‘love’ and ‘mom’ are popular,” Udell notes. Bracelet stacks — a medley of cuffs, bangles, beads and charms worn on one arm, each representing a special occasion — are attention-getters packed with personality.

There are also new twists on classics: diamond earrings, necklaces and tennis bracelets, now set in rose or yellow gold instead of the traditional white gold. The latest approach, she says, is to “mix and delicately place” unexpected diamond shapes together — ovals, emeralds, pears, marquise, and even heart cuts. 

As a glowing nod to good days ahead, Udell says “bold gold” is also trending. “Chain-link necklaces and bracelets — some with an industrial feel — with or without diamonds, along with chunky gold rings are statement makers.” For those looking for subtler, but equally impactful jewelry, the London Collection offers pieces for the so-called “neck mess,” a staggered collection of four or five chains worn together, some adorned with gemstones or charms like moons and stars.  

Pearls, too, are making a comeback. “Pearls are somewhat conservative and traditional, so they’re a ‘forever’ gift,” says Udell. But now, she says, they’re being produced “in a much more contemporary way, some set and mounted in yellow gold,” and include more Bohemian pieces like dramatic, dangling earrings.  

While safety protocols are still in place at the London flagship and all of its outposts (including downtown Manhattan and other Long Island locations), Udell is excited to start hosting London’s uber-chic gatherings again. The freshly turned-out flagship, inspired by the luxury of a Parisian apartment, is perfect for fund-raising events that help the company give back to its community. “It’s so elegant, bright and airy, but has the feel of residential hominess,” Udell says of the brilliantly lit modern-meets-Art Deco emporium. 

She hopes that the 95-year-old family-owned business will soon relaunch its signature soirées, including intimate VIP meals and Champagne toasts — along with a cookie and cake service.

“It’s definitely a spring awakening,” she says. “The sun is shining. We’re all so much happier. Everyone wants to look good, and we’re all celebrating life.” 

Gifts of love

London Jewelers’ VP Scott Udell shares top shopping trends at TWO by London

ENGAGEMENT RINGS

“For a cool, fresh look in engagement rings, the trend is to set two differently shaped, interlocking diamonds in yellow gold. At first glance, the ring looks very traditional, but the mixed stones add a little edge.”

WEDDING BANDS

“These days, finger stacks are becoming a staple. A pile of several thin diamond bands takes a classic look and dresses it up a bit, and the settings are getting more creative.”

PUSH PRESENTS

“There’s a resounding boom on celebrating life and joy and newness with anything personalized — monogrammed with a baby’s initials, or dated with a birthday. Particularly popular are diamond bangle bracelets with a baby name or a message of love.”

ANNIVERSARY GIFTS

“Heart-shaped diamonds are very in right now — and for anniversaries, they’re a perfect symbol. Diamond heart pendants with a thin diamond halo are novel, sparkling additions to a jewelry collection.”

Making time for mom

London Jewelers’ VP Zach Udell shares Mother’s Day picks from the retailer’s watch salon

FOR THE CASUAL MOM 

“Cartier’s Ballon Bleu 36 millimeter automatic is considered a new classic and continues to be one of our best sellers. It will pair perfectly with her jewelry pieces from Cartier’s other iconic collections: Love and Juste un Clou.”

FOR THE ELEGANT MOM 

“The Patek Philippe Twenty-4 Automatic features a beautiful two-row diamond bezel in an updated 36 millimeter case size. Other highlights are an automatic movement with sapphire caseback and a sunburst olive-green dial.”

FOR THE MODERN MOM 

“This Serpenti is a reimagining of the classic Bulgari design. The iconic ‘drop-shaped’ case resembles the head of a serpent, but now in a thinner, more elegant design to complement the bracelet’s signature serpent-scale links. Green is the It color in watches, and the malachite dial sets this model apart.”

Spring ahead

London Jewelers’ VP Randi Udell Alper on the season’s most glittering trends

LOVE LETTERS

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“My family has been in the jewelry business for close to 100 years, so we can’t help but be true romantics! We’re always adding new pieces with hearts and messages of love to our assortment.”

EAR PARTIES

“These days, the more ear piercings, the better. It allows you to take advantage of as many cute combinations of studs, huggies and climbers as possible. We love it when both ears are styled slightly differently.”

CHAINS & CHARMS

“Create a ‘neck mess’ in either rose or yellow gold, or mix both metals. Layer different finishes, lengths and types of link to create your own unique look. Our London Collection Add-a-Charm bar allows you to personalize with stones and symbols that have special meaning to you.”