Mark Pratico, owner of Mark Pratico Jewelers, has owned his own jewelry store since he was 19 years old.
After working in his father’s store and learning about manufacturing, sales, engraving and repairs, he wanted to set out on his own and open his own shop.More than 30 years later, Mark Pratico Jewelers has established itself as a family-owned business that strives to meet customers’ every need.
“We cater to the customer and educate customers on what they buy. We give them personalized service and work with them through the sale,” said Pratico.
The store sells jewelry, gifts and watches, and also does watch and jewelry repair.
While the store sells designer engagement ring and wedding band brands such as ArtCarved, Peter Storm and Camelot, Pratico also designs and customizes engagement rings, wedding bands and other types of jewelry. Diamonds are available in all shapes, sizes, qualities and colors.
In addition to bridal jewelry, Mark Pratico Jewelers sells a range of designer brand watches, such as Citizen, Bulova, ESQ and Ice Watch. If the store doesn’t have a watch brand that you want, Pratico can bring it in, he said.
Pratico’s wife, Maria, helps in the store along with a sales consultant Emily. With the holidays coming up, the store has been keeping its inventory up to date with the latest designs in order to provide customers with gifts.
Maria Pratico said that their efforts to bring the customer new products sets them apart in the jewelry business. Recently, they brought in the entire Vera Bradley product line.
“We’re always trying to bring new and affordable trends into our store. We’re a jewelry store, but we’re always updating the lines we bring in. That’s why we got Vera Bradley,” she said.
The Vera Bradley items include duffel bags, totes, wristlets, wallets, e-reader sleeves, luggage, and headbands.
Other new products brought in were Ice Watches and stackable rings that match up and spin on your finger.
On top of bridal jewelry, a new trend is becoming more popular: beads. Mark Pratico believes part of their popularity is in their versatility.
“The Chamilia beads and Trollbeads are becoming extremely popular because you can create your own bracelet. You can go artsy or you can get an everyday bracelet that represents your children, occupation or interests. All beads have a story to them,” he said.
Jewelry, including men’s watches and sunglasses by designers such as Maui Jim and Native Eyewear. There is also a range of children’s jewelry available as well. In the end, the customer’s experience is everything to Pratico. “When I make a ring, and I give it to the customer for the first time, the look on their face is the best part of this job. That’s all the satisfaction I need.”
Check out their holiday items, such as aprons, lacquered roses and ornaments at 876 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road in Hamilton. For more information, call (609) 585-6363.
Mark Pratico and his daughter, Marysa, stand in front of their Vera Bradley line. (Photo by Maddie Weinland.),
