On a sunny day, the ocean just beyond the door at Park Place Jewelers on the Boardwalk certainly sparkles like diamonds. But inside the store, visitors can be dazzled by sparkling jewels anytime.
The store, now in its 13th year, is owned by Todd and Jill Ferrante. In addition to the flagship store between Second and Third streets on the Boardwalk, the couple has opened another location in the Ocean City Outlets on Route 50.
For the past seven years, the store has been known for the popular “Ocean City Hook” bracelets, with their distinctive interlocked “OC” logo. The line has now expanded to include earrings, ankle bracelets, rings and pendants. Last year, the couple even added a few Ocean City Hook pieces for babies and children.
That addition was inspired by one in the Ferrantes’ own family -- daughter Sophia, who turns two in the fall. “She had one at 5 months,” Todd said. So many people asked about Sophia’s jewelry that they decided to make smaller versions of the Ocean City Hook jewelry available for everyone.
Something for everyone, in fact, is another hallmark of Park Place. Todd points out charms available for as little as $15, as well as pieces that fit a more lavish budget. Whatever the price, Todd Ferrante says he loves finding the right piece for everyone who comes in the door. “The jewelry business has been a great passion for me,” says the Ocean City native.
He and Jill both say they consider customers to be friends, and enjoy welcoming old and new friends each year. “We remember them, and even if they’re new, we treat them like regulars,” he says.
The couple particularly enjoys helping customers who are “looking for something they can’t find anywhere else,” Todd says. Visitors to the beach often come in looking for the perfect memento from their vacation -- which the Ferrantes say they can relate to, because they do the same thing when they travel. Whether it’s a designer piece or a simple charm you desire, Park Place’s selections will put a smile on your face.
In addition to the Ocean City Hook jewelry, Park Place offers other distinctive designer lines, including pieces by Denny Wong and Steven Douglas.
Even if you visit the beach in the “off-season,” you’ll find Park Place open and Todd or Jill greeting customers with friendly smiles -- unless they’re off on a buying trip, gathering new treasures for the busy summer season. You can even “cyber shop” at Park Place between trips to Ocean City, by visiting them at www.parkplacejewelers.com on the Web.
For more information, call Park Place Jewelers at 410-289-6500 (between Second and Third streets on the Boardwalk) or 410-213-9220 (Ocean City Outlets). |
