EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
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.
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
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
