Policies & Issues

Brent Neale Donates $102K to Everytown for Gun Safety

Policies & IssuesApr 03, 2023

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.

20230401_Brent Neale header.jpg
Jewelry designer Brent Neale Winston said she felt helpless following the March 27 school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee. Via her Instagram, she began raising money for Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control and against gun violence.
New York—Last week, a mass shooter at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, killed six people, including three children.

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.

20230401_Brent Neale insert.jpg
Brent Neale’s 18-karat yellow gold and diamond “Micro Mushroom” studs ($750)


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.”

 Related stories will be right here … 

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

Tiffany & Co. Sea Turtle Ring
CollectionsApr 30, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Goes Deep-Sea Diving in New Blue Book

The “Sea of Wonder” collection features pieces inspired by the ocean, from its waves to flora and creatures like urchins and sea turtles.

Golconda Blue
AuctionsApr 29, 2025
‘Golconda Blue’ Diamond Pulled From Auction

The 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.

G.B. Heron Jewelers sign
IndependentsApr 29, 2025
Maryland Jeweler to Close After 36 Years

G.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

National Jeweler Columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsApr 29, 2025
Google Ads vs. Social Media Ads: Which Are More Effective?

Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.

Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Gemfields rough rubies
SourcingApr 29, 2025
Gemfields Mini Ruby Auction Achieves $7M

The miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.

Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra jewelry
CrimeApr 28, 2025
Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry

U.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.

ejap cohort 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

Suzanne Kalan Tech Ring Jacket Collection
TrendsApr 28, 2025
Suzanne Kalan Launches Tech Ring Jacket Collection

Health monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.

JCK Industry Fund
Events & AwardsApr 28, 2025
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2025 Grant Recipients

Ten organizations were selected this year.

Kim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit
IndependentsApr 28, 2025
John Atencio Appoints 2 to Wholesale Team

Kim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.

Sylvie Jewelry Auranova Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Pomellato Nudo toi et moi ring
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Deborah Meyers Experience The Birds Earrings
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ Earrings

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

Melee diamonds from De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid Uncertainty

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

LIM-401 2024 National Jeweler Supplier Bulletin- iD100 Web and Eblast FINAL (1).jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Wolf CEO Simon Wolf
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. Expansion

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

Iowa jeweler Herman Ginsberg
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to Noncompliance

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

Young Diamantaires
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to Nonprofit

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Mined + Found "Hope" Matchbox Locket
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So Charming

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Bulgari’s expanded factory in Valenza, Italy
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in Italy

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Jason McNary accepting FGI Fine Jewelry Rising Star award for Paola Sasplugas
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ Award

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

1999 Cosmograph Daytona, Ref.16516
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to Auction

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

Carmelo Anthony and Jaylen Brown David Yurman campaign
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen Brown

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine Jewelry

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

JAR Apricot Blossom bracelet
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry Collection

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy