Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75

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.