London Jewelers kicks off its annual Italian fest

Italy is coming to London. London Jewelers, that is.

The retailer is hosting a grand Italian celebrazione, featuring food, drink and (naturally) glorious jewels this month at the company’s luxurious Manhasset flagship. The mood will be jubilant, according to London’s president, Candy Udell.

“It’s a real party,” she tells Alexa. “People come from all over to sip wines flown directly from Italian vineyards and to sample authentic foods — risotto, pasta, mozzarella, espresso, gelato and pastries. And, of course, the stars of the day are the exquisite trunk shows from our made-in-Italy brands.”

As for this season’s highlights from Bel Paese? Udell points to Bulgari’s baubles as not to be missed. “Tubogas is back; it’s something Bulgari has made famous, and it’s really popular,” she says, referring to the house’s signature tubular necklaces and bracelets — flexible assemblages of gold strips wound tightly together. “They’re very simple, so you can wear them every day and layer them with other pieces.” She adds that Bulgari’s classic Serpenti designs (which, she says, “look good on absolutely everyone”) and its artfully crafted handbags (turned out in the finest leathers with enamel snakehead clasps) are also highly coveted by shoppers.

Another standout house that will be featured at the festa is family-owned Buccellati — founded more than 100 years ago and known for its elaborate textured metals, often peppered with precious stones. “Everything here is about hand craftsmanship, and their finish is signature,” explains Udell. “Their work is iconic, truly magnificent and so feminine.”

Also on her must-see list? Sculptural titanium selections from Vhernier (which are dotted with diamonds), Pomellato’s charming Nudo stacking rings (enhanced with colorful and shapely stones), Pasquale Bruni’s rings (designed to artfully overlap fingers) and bijoux from famed Italian designer Roberto Coin (whose line Udell describes as “well-priced, beautiful and wearable”).

But the retailer doesn’t only showcase the big names. “Whenever we travel to Italy, we search out what’s new and exciting for our very sophisticated clientele,” she notes. “The last time we went, we found a woman who works with semiprecious stones — pink sapphires, amethyst and blue topaz — making beautiful patterns for earrings at her kitchen table.”

Dr. Antonino Laspina, director of the Italian Trade Commission in New York City, agrees that discovery is one of London’s superpowers. “You can find anything for people who are looking for a branded product, but the Udells are always scouting for new artisans, materials and innovations that are able to capture the interest of their most demanding consumers.”

Truth be told, Udell’s passion for Italian treasures goes beyond the physical. While she praises the artistry, heft, polish and “unique sheen” of the country’s jewelry, she says the heart of the connection is famiglia — no surprise, given that London Jewelers is a 96-year-old, fourth-generation, family-owned business.

“The companies in Italy are very relatable, because it’s family to family, generation to generation. The craftsmanship and art is passed on with many pieces made with bare hands, love and pride,” she reflects. “We have the same values, and it reminds me of what we do here, working with our children, and now, our grandchildren.”

The parallel is not lost on Laspina. “A family dealing in the business for so many generations will find the theme of preserving the quality,” he says. “There’s respect, trust and confidence in the fact that they really do care. It allows business to flourish on both sides.”

Back to the festivities at hand, Laspina says, “We are excited and delighted to be in one of the world’s most prestigious places to show a high level of Italian lifestyle. I think, this year, the celebration is going to be very special.” Adds Udell: “It’s going to be like going to Italy for a mini-vacation. The jewelry looks delicious, the food tastes delicious, what could be better?”

London Jewelers Celebrates Italy runs from Nov. 11 to 20, with special events on Nov. 12 and 13 and Nov. 19 and 20, at Americana Manhasset, 2046 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, LI. For additional information, call 516-627-7475.