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.
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
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.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
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.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon 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.
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.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
