AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
IndependentsDec 15, 2014
About Retail: All about that Grammy nominee
Before she was “All About that Bass,” Grammy-nominated singer Meghan Trainor was all about that bling, working behind the counter at her parents’ Nantucket jewelry store.
Meghan Trainor, whose hit single has earned her two Grammy nods, started singing at the age of 7. “(Her brothers) would come home and play Xbox, and she would come home and compose music,” her dad said. (Photo courtesy of Epic Publicity)
Nantucket, Mass.--Before she was “All About that Bass,” Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Meghan Trainor was all about that bling, working behind the counter of her parents’ Nantucket store, Jewel of the Isle.
Jewel of the Isle has been a staple on Nantucket Island for 29 years. Founded by Gary Trainor in 1985, the family-owned and -operated retail store sells only pieces made by the Trainor family, and is known around the island for its nautical-themed charms and jewelry. Gary’s wife, Kelli, designs and makes all of the store’s sterling silver, 14-karat yellow and white gold and platinum jewelry, while Gary focuses on stone setting, diamond work, and jewelry and watch repair.
The duo work together to create custom, one-of-a-kind jewelry that can’t be found elsewhere, a business model keeps them from having to compete with local retailers.
“We’re a full-service jewelry store; we’re really the only ones in the area that do custom work for people,” Gary Trainor said. “And we do all kinds of repairs--I don’t care if you bring me a lavaliere or a fishing pole. If it’s something that can be soldered or repaired, I will pretty much go out of my way to service you.
“We have sold the concept of service over our 29 years in business. I think this has made the difference in our longevity.”
While this plan for securing the future of the store is a solid one, owning a jewelry store, or any type of store really, wasn’t always in the plan for Trainor, who traveled through music and teaching before he came to jewelry.
Gary Trainor came to Nantucket Island in 1967 after spending many years on the road as a musician.
He accepted a position in the Nantucket school system, teaching music to students from fourth through 12th grade and becoming an expert at repairing their broken instruments along the way.
Seven years later, a near-fatal motorcycle accident abruptly ended Trainor’s teaching career. Although he successfully recovered, permanent damage to his leg made it too painful for him to stand all day in a classroom.
Using his experience repairing broken instruments as motivation, he entered a vocational school for watch and jewelry repair.
After graduating, Trainor worked in several jewelry stores throughout Nantucket before opening his first store just outside the city. He moved into his current location downtown 10 years later.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
During this time, Kelli and Gary married and had three children, Ryan, Meghan and Justin, all of whom spent their teenage summers working at the store but now are following in their father’s footsteps down a different path: music.
Ryan, the eldest, has an internship with Meghan’s management team, Atom Factory, and lives in Los Angeles. Justin, the youngest, is in the music department of The Los Angeles Film School, learning how to produce music.
Then, of course, there’s Meghan, whose hit single “All About that Bass” earned her two nominations for the upcoming 57th annual Grammy Awards, one for Song of the Year and the other for Record of the Year.
“Meghan would love it if we would just close the store and come with her. But I explained to her--we have two more just like you,” quipped Trainor.
Meghan was just 7 when she began singing alongside her father at church and at local fundraisers and telethons. At 11, she asked to have her voice recorded, so Trainor bought some simple recording software.
As her talents progressed, he invested in more sophisticated equipment, eventually building a recording studio in their home.
“The boys would come home and play Xbox, and she would come home and compose music.”
By the time she was 17, Meghan was a professional music writer and signed to Nashville’s Big Yellow Dog Music, where she’s written songs for such artists as the Grammy-winning group Rascal Flatts, Grammy-nominated country artist Hunter Hayes, reggae/rock/R&B group Common Kings and Hot Chelle Rae singer Ryan Follesé.
She joined Epic Records in 2014 after impressing Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid in an audition where she sang “All About that Bass” with the help of her favorite instrument, the ukulele.
Meghan’s producer nom de plume is M-Train, so her mom Kelli made a gold “M-Train” pendant for her that now is part of Meghan’s regular wardrobe. “She’s asked us to make M-Train pendants and jewelry as Christmas presents for her management team, best friends and cousins,” Trainor said.
While the M-Train jewelry has caught the attention of Seventeen magazine, who is doing a giveaway of an M-Train bracelet in an upcoming issue and will have it prominently featured on the issue’s cover, Trainor said they have no interest in turning the M-Train jewelry into a commercial affair. “We never set out to market something after Meghan to make money. That was not our intent, and I don’t think we’ll ever do that.”
He would rather leave it to her management team to discover and build branding ventures that will secure Meghan’s future.
And what a golden future it is.
“All About that Bass” recently was certified five times platinum. She’s been nominated in the New Artist of the Year category for the 2014 American Music Awards and for Best Song with a Social Message for the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards, in addition to her two Grammy nods.
Both of her parents will be in the audience at the Grammys in February to, hopefully, see Meghan win. “We are very proud of her nominations for the Grammy Awards. We think it’s amazing how far she’s come,” Trainor said.
Ryan, the eldest, has an internship with Meghan’s management team, Atom Factory, and lives in Los Angeles. Justin, the youngest, is in the music department of The Los Angeles Film School, learning how to produce music.
Then, of course, there’s Meghan, whose hit single “All About that Bass” earned her two nominations for the upcoming 57th annual Grammy Awards, one for Song of the Year and the other for Record of the Year.
“Meghan would love it if we would just close the store and come with her. But I explained to her--we have two more just like you,” quipped Trainor.
Meghan was just 7 when she began singing alongside her father at church and at local fundraisers and telethons. At 11, she asked to have her voice recorded, so Trainor bought some simple recording software.
As her talents progressed, he invested in more sophisticated equipment, eventually building a recording studio in their home.
“The boys would come home and play Xbox, and she would come home and compose music.”
By the time she was 17, Meghan was a professional music writer and signed to Nashville’s Big Yellow Dog Music, where she’s written songs for such artists as the Grammy-winning group Rascal Flatts, Grammy-nominated country artist Hunter Hayes, reggae/rock/R&B group Common Kings and Hot Chelle Rae singer Ryan Follesé.
She joined Epic Records in 2014 after impressing Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid in an audition where she sang “All About that Bass” with the help of her favorite instrument, the ukulele.
Meghan’s producer nom de plume is M-Train, so her mom Kelli made a gold “M-Train” pendant for her that now is part of Meghan’s regular wardrobe. “She’s asked us to make M-Train pendants and jewelry as Christmas presents for her management team, best friends and cousins,” Trainor said.
While the M-Train jewelry has caught the attention of Seventeen magazine, who is doing a giveaway of an M-Train bracelet in an upcoming issue and will have it prominently featured on the issue’s cover, Trainor said they have no interest in turning the M-Train jewelry into a commercial affair. “We never set out to market something after Meghan to make money. That was not our intent, and I don’t think we’ll ever do that.”
He would rather leave it to her management team to discover and build branding ventures that will secure Meghan’s future.
And what a golden future it is.
“All About that Bass” recently was certified five times platinum. She’s been nominated in the New Artist of the Year category for the 2014 American Music Awards and for Best Song with a Social Message for the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards, in addition to her two Grammy nods.
Both of her parents will be in the audience at the Grammys in February to, hopefully, see Meghan win. “We are very proud of her nominations for the Grammy Awards. We think it’s amazing how far she’s come,” Trainor said.
More on Independents
The Latest
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
