Brent Neale Donates $102K to Everytown for Gun Safety
In the wake of another school shooting, jewelry designer Brent Neale Winston raised money for the nonprofit via an Instagram sale.

It was the 130th mass shooting in the United States in 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive, 86 days into the year at the time of the shooting. (The archive defines a mass shooting as an incident in which at least four victims are shot and either injured or killed.)
As the country battles a gun violence epidemic, news of another mass shooting can seem to fall on deaf, desensitized ears. But jewelry designer Brent Neale Winston hears the crisis loud and clear and did the only thing she could think of that might help.
She took a look through her stock for something she could sell to raise money for Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control and against gun violence.
Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg co-founded Everytown in 2013 after a merger of Mayors Against Illegal Guns and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.
Winston had 17 pairs of her 18-karat yellow gold and diamond “Micro Mushroom” studs in stock, which retail for $750. They are also available set with emeralds, rubies, and blue sapphires.

She posted them to her Instagram Stories, and, within 25 minutes, every pair had sold. She actually committed to 26 pairs after losing track of the many messages.
It added up to a $19,500 donation.
When she picked up her phone a little while later, she had received hundreds of messages from people looking to purchase her earrings and donate to the cause.
“It really wasn’t planned. I thought it would be the 17 pairs of earrings we had in stock and that would be it. But the outpouring of DMs (direct messages) was insane,” Winston said in a statement to National Jeweler.
“I think people felt like I did/do, helpless.”
She lamented via Instagram about having to speak to her children—again—about a school shooting and grieved for “more children dying tragic deaths.”
Backed by a lot of support from her social network, she decided to do even more to help.
She offered custom orders of her mushroom studs, donating 100 percent of the proceeds up to $100,000.
Within 24 hours, she had reached her goal and then some, donating $102,000 in total to the charity.
Winston sold 272 earrings in total, including 121 pairs and 30 single earrings, to 143 customers.
The designer took to Instagram to thank her followers for the support.
The earring sale has been closed, she said, noting her small business isn’t set up to handle that level of volume, despite her “small but mighty team.”
“To me, it is the amount of people, not the amount of money, that speaks volumes,” said Winston.
The Latest

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.


Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.