The Family Behind the Business: Park Place Jewelers Has Been Helping Ocean City Celebrate Life's Biggest Moments for 30 Years

Some businesses sell products. Others become part of people's memories.

Something for Every Occasion

For nearly three decades, Park Place Jewelers has been doing just that—helping families celebrate engagements, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, and milestones big and small. Behind every sparkling diamond and carefully wrapped gift is the Ferrante family, whose commitment to personalized service has made them a beloved part of the Ocean City community.

The Beginning...

It all began in 1996, when Todd Ferrante decided to take a leap of faith. After working in the telescope and picture business, Todd was ready for something completely different. He opened Michael's Fine Jewelry on the Ocean City Boardwalk at 4th Street, planting the roots of what would become one of the area's most recognizable family-owned jewelry businesses.

Ocean City was already home to Todd, who grew up here after moving to the resort town at just five years old. Little did he know that his future wife, Jill, would walk into his store as a customer in 1997. That chance meeting would become the beginning of both a family and a business partnership that continues today.

The Business Didn't Stay Small For Long.

Just three years after opening, the Ferrantes expanded by opening Park Place Jewelers on the Boardwalk in 1999. Later that same year, they relocated Michael's Fine Jewelry to West Ocean City before eventually moving again in 2018 to their current location in Park Place Plaza. While the storefronts have changed over the years, one thing has remained exactly the same. "Our focus on excellent, personalized customer service has not changed from day one," Jill said. Today, Todd and Jill work alongside their daughter, Sophia, making Park Place Jewelers a true family business. Sophia has quite literally grown up behind the jewelry counters.

Free Diamonds for Everyone!

One of the family's favorite stories happened when Sophia was just four or five years old. After watching her parents work with customers, she confidently climbed behind the diamond counter and decided everyone in the store deserved a diamond—free of charge. Thankfully, Mom and Dad stepped in before the inventory disappeared, but it's a memory the family still laughs about today.

Traditions for Many Families

Although Park Place Jewelers is a first-generation business, the Ferrantes have built something that feels like a family tradition for thousands of visitors. "We love seeing families come in year after year, grow and change, and consider Park Place Jewelers a part of their trip to Ocean City," Jill said. Some customers first visited as children and now return with children—and even grandchildren—of their own. Over the years, the Ferrantes have watched vacation traditions become family legacies, often helping multiple generations celebrate life's most meaningful occasions.

Partners with the Community

Beyond the jewelry cases, the family has also invested deeply in the Ocean City community. Todd and Jill have served on numerous local boards and supported charitable organizations throughout the past 30 years. Most recently, during their 30th Anniversary Celebration in May 2026, they donated a portion of every sale to Coastal Hospice, Diakonia, and Randy's Crew, continuing their tradition of giving back to the community that has supported them since the beginning.

What's the Secret?

Ask the Ferrantes what the secret to three decades of success is, and the answer is refreshingly simple. Hard work, always striving to improve, and making sure every customer leaves happy. "We hope they feel like family," Jill said. "We want everyone to feel welcome when they walk through our doors."

That philosophy has helped Park Place Jewelers become more than a jewelry store. It has become part of countless family traditions and celebrations throughout Ocean City.

Looking to the Future

As they look toward the future, the Ferrantes hope their legacy isn't measured simply by years in business, but by the memories they've helped create.

One day, they hope families will say, "My entire family shops at Park Place Jewelers. They've been part of all of our family's biggest moments."

Judging by the last 30 years, they're already well on their way.