Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging DesignersThe winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75
Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
Frank Circelli, the founder of Gem Shopping Network and president and owner of gemstone wholesale company Bellagem Inc., died last week at age 75. This photo of him was taken more than 20 years ago at the original Gem Shopping Network studio. (Photo courtesy of Bellagem Inc.)
Duluth, Ga.—Gem Shopping Network founder Frank M. Circelli, who was known for his passion for gemstones and his big personality, died Dec. 10.
He was 75.
An executive at Bellagem Inc., Circelli’s wholesale gemstone business in Duluth, Georgia, shared details of his passing with National Jeweler.
Born Sept. 5, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio, Circelli’s love for fossils, minerals, and the natural sciences started at a young age.
In 1983, he earned his graduate gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America and frequently was heard saying, “I’m blessed that my hobby became my business.”
Described as an innovator in gemology, Circelli first went on the air with gemstones in the mid-‘90s, hosting a weekend show called “Gemstones with Frank,” which his obituary describes as the first colored gemstone show on television.
In 1997, a weekend show became much more when he launched the 24-hour live Gem Shopping Network.
One of the current Gem Shopping Network hosts, speaking on behalf of the team, called Circelli a “pioneer” in the world of TV shopping, as his network was the first to sell high-end jewelry on TV.
Circelli also was the first person to put loose tanzanite on air, something he did even before starting the Gem Shopping Network.
“We have been doing this since 1997 and still continue to do this today,” the host said. “[Frank] was a well-respected gem collector, TV personality, and a great friend and mentor to many people.”
When Circelli sold the network to an affiliate of private equity firm Sun Capital Partners in 2013, one of the executives who facilitated the sale described his passion for gemstones as “contagious.”
Circelli said at the time, “I founded Gem Shopping [Network] to educate people about fine colored gemstones from around the world and to make them accessible to the consumer. The fact that we sell finer quality jewelry than anyone else on television is a testament to the trust our clients have in Gem Shopping [Network].”
Circelli is remembered as someone who embraced his humble roots, worked hard, and delivered on his promise of providing education and operating with integrity and honesty, both at Gem Shopping Network and at his wholesale company, Bellagem.
“Frank’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of his family and all who knew him,” his obituary states. “And we will always remember his voice ringing out, ‘Holy Toledo! ‘Is that ridiculous or what?’”
Circelli is survived by two daughters, Laurena and Megan Circelli.
A memorial service to celebrate his life is scheduled to take place Dec. 19 from 3-6 p.m. at 12 Stone Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charitable organization Circelli founded, Another Chance Foundation.
Checks may be sent to Another Chance Foundation Inc., 3259 Duluth Highway 120, Suite 200, Duluth, GA 30096.
He was 75.
An executive at Bellagem Inc., Circelli’s wholesale gemstone business in Duluth, Georgia, shared details of his passing with National Jeweler.
Born Sept. 5, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio, Circelli’s love for fossils, minerals, and the natural sciences started at a young age.
In 1983, he earned his graduate gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America and frequently was heard saying, “I’m blessed that my hobby became my business.”
Described as an innovator in gemology, Circelli first went on the air with gemstones in the mid-‘90s, hosting a weekend show called “Gemstones with Frank,” which his obituary describes as the first colored gemstone show on television.
In 1997, a weekend show became much more when he launched the 24-hour live Gem Shopping Network.
One of the current Gem Shopping Network hosts, speaking on behalf of the team, called Circelli a “pioneer” in the world of TV shopping, as his network was the first to sell high-end jewelry on TV.
Circelli also was the first person to put loose tanzanite on air, something he did even before starting the Gem Shopping Network.
“We have been doing this since 1997 and still continue to do this today,” the host said. “[Frank] was a well-respected gem collector, TV personality, and a great friend and mentor to many people.”
When Circelli sold the network to an affiliate of private equity firm Sun Capital Partners in 2013, one of the executives who facilitated the sale described his passion for gemstones as “contagious.”
Circelli said at the time, “I founded Gem Shopping [Network] to educate people about fine colored gemstones from around the world and to make them accessible to the consumer. The fact that we sell finer quality jewelry than anyone else on television is a testament to the trust our clients have in Gem Shopping [Network].”
Circelli is remembered as someone who embraced his humble roots, worked hard, and delivered on his promise of providing education and operating with integrity and honesty, both at Gem Shopping Network and at his wholesale company, Bellagem.
“Frank’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of his family and all who knew him,” his obituary states. “And we will always remember his voice ringing out, ‘Holy Toledo! ‘Is that ridiculous or what?’”
Circelli is survived by two daughters, Laurena and Megan Circelli.
A memorial service to celebrate his life is scheduled to take place Dec. 19 from 3-6 p.m. at 12 Stone Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charitable organization Circelli founded, Another Chance Foundation.
Checks may be sent to Another Chance Foundation Inc., 3259 Duluth Highway 120, Suite 200, Duluth, GA 30096.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright BaublesAs summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in QueensMoshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities ManagerXavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.
Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet JewelersThe addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ NecklaceThe necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award WinnersJewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in AustinIts opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JulyRespondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LASenior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New DesignersThe first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.
SourcingJul 29, 2025
Auctim to Offer 7.3M+ Carats of Rough EmeraldsThe online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.
MajorsJul 29, 2025
Alexis Padis Re-Elected AGS Board President She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.
Policies & IssuesJul 28, 2025
U.S.-EU Come to Agreement on Tariffs Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.
CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.
MajorsJul 28, 2025
The 1916 Company Partners with ‘Shark Tank’ Star’s Watch Insurance PlatformThe retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.
IndependentsJul 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin to Open Flagship in Arkansas The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ NecklaceAnne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong ShowJewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.
