To mark the momentous occasion of its 100th anniversary, London Jewelers is celebrating with the unveiling of a new diamond, alongside partnerships with De Beers Group and Grandview Klein Diamonds.
Founded in 1926 with a storefront in Glen Cove, N.Y., the Udell family’s business has grown across four generations and has since become one of the leading family-owned and operated independent companies in the U.S.
With boutiques across Long Island and New Jersey, the retailer is known for natural diamonds, fine and precious jewelry and timepieces, alongside their personalized services to create memorable experiences for generations and their commitment to excellence.
One of London Jewelers’ most ambitious projects to date has been the unveiling with Grandview Klein Diamonds at JCK Las Vegas in May of a 63-carat natural rough diamond transformed into a one-of-a-kind 20.26-carat D Flawless Old Mine Cushion cut diamond — the final weight chosen to commemorate the family’s 100th milestone in 2026 and as a tribute to a century of craftsmanship.
The original diamond rough was cut in its country of origin, Botswana, by Grandview Klein Diamonds as part of the Origin De Beers Group program. The collaboration with De Beers Group and Grandview Klein Diamonds is one of ethical sourcing and complete traceability.
“This is a natural fit,” said Mark Udell, chief executive officer of London Jewelers. “De Beers Group has access to some of the world’s most exceptional diamonds, and we’ve spent generations building trust with our clients by offering not only extraordinary diamonds, but a complete experience built on expertise, integrity and lasting relationships.”
Cutting the diamond in Botswana was a reflection of the De Beers Group program principles. Diamonds in the program are sourced responsibly within its operations across Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Canada and are supported with investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure and environmental stewardship.
The De Beers Group program traces a natural diamond’s journey from rough to polish with verified ownership. Each stage of the transformation has been documented to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry, precision and human craftsmanship required to bring a diamond of this scale to life. The Origin digital experience leverages blockchain technology to allow clients to follow the diamond’s journey from discovery in the earth to the finished diamond.
“We’ve always believed the story behind a diamond is just as important as the diamond itself,” said Candy Udell, president of London Jewelers. “With Origin, we’re offering our clients something truly meaningful. Beautiful natural diamonds backed by transparency, responsibility and peace of mind.”
The flawless D natural diamond is a representation of rarity, with the color being perfectly colorless and internally flawless under 10x magnification; the finished piece will be amongst some of the rarest natural diamonds in the world.
The Old Mine Cushion style was chosen given its place as one of the earliest styles of diamond cuts — developed in the 1700s, the cut was shaped by hand and instinct under the candlelight before modern technology existed.
With a softly rounded outline and romantic facets, the cut evokes the era of craftsmanship that determined a diamond’s brilliance. Using modern cutting techniques, the diamond will be cut for precision and brilliance. Similar to all Origin diamonds, a focus on symmetry is given to showcase sparkle visible to the naked eye.
“We are cutting a new diamond in an old style because we honor our past, but we are shaping the future,” said Scott Udell, vice president of London Jewelers.
As part of the diamond’s journey, members of the Udell family have traveled to Botswana to witness the cutting process firsthand, experience the history of the diamond’s origins and see the craftsmanship behind turning the stone into a rare diamond.
The trip also included visits to local schools and communities, which are part of the Udell family’s commitment to philanthropy and supporting future generations. Education and giving back are important values to the family as the project represents for them a broader impact within the natural diamond industry.
Beyond being a celebration of London Jewelers’ history, the company said the diamond represents its continued commitment to natural diamonds, craftsmanship and a belief that every diamond has a meaningful journey.
“Diamonds are symbols of love, celebration and legacy,” Candy Udell said. “Now, they can also be symbols of ethical progress.”
London Jewelers said the diamond also reflects a next chapter within its history of luxury, where beauty is matched with ownership, transparency and purpose.
“For 100 years, London Jewelers has been built on craftsmanship, resilience, family, and relationships that span generations. What began as a modest storefront in Glen Cove has grown into something far greater than a jewelry business. This extraordinary diamond represents our history, our family and the future still ahead of us,” concluded Mark Udell.
To follow alongside the journey of the diamond, watch the video at londonjewelers.com/london-jewelers-diamond-and-delta.