About us!

Once upon a time, a gentleman by the name of Erwin Von der Heydt was born on a small farm in North Bellmore. As a youngster he was extremely mechanically oriented and later became an expert watchmaker. His first job was working with two brothers in the watch business whose famous “Omega Pocket Watch” later became world-renowned.

In 1923, Erwin and his wife Betty opened their distinctive jewelry and gift shop at 410 Bedford Avenue in Bellmore. As one of the finest jewelers on Long Island, Erwin Von der Heydt was contracted to install the clocks at the West Bath House towers at Jones Beach…and so the story begins.

In 1962, Louis R. Gennaro, a Graduate Horologist (watchmaker) with twenty years experience, purchased Von der Heydt Jewelers. Mr. Von der Heydt stayed on an additional six years with Louis Gennaro and the fine tradition of Quality, Service and Selection continued uninterrupted. The name of the store was eventually changed to Gennaro Jewelers in 1968. Louis Gennaro continued the tradition by establishing himself as the “premier” jeweler in the area. He expanded his community involvement through dedication, hard work, and he later served as President of the Bellmore Chamber of Commerce and Bellmore Kiwanis. For many years afterward, Gennaro Jewelers continued to strive toward unsurpassed excellence amongst PROFESSIONAL JEWELERS on Long Island.

In 1979, an experienced manufacturing jeweler by the name of Gary Hudes joined the staff of Gennaro Jewelers and later entered into a partnership agreement with Mr. Gennaro. Mr. Hudes has expanded Gennaro Jewelers’ manufacturing capabilities, as well as their design/re-mount, appraisal and repair facilities to meet the needs of their customers.

Today, Gennaro Jewelers continues to be committed to the community, charitable organizations, FD’s and law enforcement agencies. Mr. Hudes has taught jewelry seminars at the Nassau Department of Consumer Affairs, Nassau County Police Department, and also at Allstate, Prudential, and Travelers Insurance companies on Long Island. He is an Honorary Member of the Nassau County Detectives Association, New York State Police PBA, and Deputy Sheriff’s Benevolent Association. Councilman Gary Hudes proudly serves on the Hempstead Town Board.

Gary Hudes has appeared on numerous television and radio programs discussing the topic of jewelry, jewelry fraud and consumer awareness, and has also appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show. He is the Past President of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce (representing 50 Chambers of Commerce across Nassau County), and five-term Past President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores. He was selected by New York State Governor George Pataki as the “New York State Small Business Advocate of the Year.” Gary has been serving as Revitalization Director of Bellmore Village, and his design and theme has transformed the area into a viable, thriving, quaint shopping village.

Gennaro Jewelers, a leader in the Long Island jewelry industry, proudly offers one of the most modern, up-to-date Design, Repair, and Custom Jewelry Facilities, with a complimenting staff of EXPERIENCED Jewelry consultants, Diamond Setters, Jewelers, Designers, and Appraisers…ON THE PREMISES – While You Wait and Watch!

Gennaro Jewelers is a family run business and you can always contact me directly. I am here to make sure that you are very proud to wear Gennaro designed jewelry because I've taken a lot of time and effort to design unique creations that will be the envy of others!