TrendsFeb 27, 2025
Model Winnie Harlow Says ‘Yes’ to 3-Stone Engagement RingHarlow’s partner, NBA player Kyle Kuzma, worked with Vobara to design the ring, which features oval and pear-shaped diamonds.
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
MajorsFeb 27, 2025
Winona Ryder, Iman Star in New Pandora CampaignThe Danish jeweler released the next chapter of its “Be Love” campaign, which celebrates love in all its forms.
Events & AwardsFeb 27, 2025
JA to Host Workshop During Alabama Jewelers Association ConventionThe learning workshop and the convention are both scheduled to take place April 26 and 27 in Montgomery, Alabama.
Brought to you by
A Diamond ETF is the Way to Reinvigorate Natural Diamond SalesThe jewelry industry faces challenges from lab-grown diamonds. A diamond ETF can restore natural diamonds' value and drive investor demand.
Policies & IssuesFeb 26, 2025
EU Once Again Pushes Back Deadline on Diamond Traceability The EU, like the U.S., also now will require diamond importers to provide information about where exactly the diamonds were mined.
Weekly QuizFeb 27, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2025
JFC Names 2025 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe charity will celebrate Pandora CEO Alexander Lacik and Brilliant Earth CEO Beth Gerstein at its annual event in Las Vegas.
ColumnistsFeb 25, 2025
Peter Smith: Here’s What I Think Retailers need to have the right merchandise, marketing, and people in place to stay on top in a sea of uncertainty, Peter Smith writes.
Brought to you by
Get Ready for the JA New York Spring ShowThis year will feature a new MJSA Showcase and partnership with Piazza Italia.
EditorsFeb 25, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s New Shop-in-Shop Senior Editor Lenore Fedow traveled to Smyth Jewelers in Maryland to see the first of 15 revamped in-store boutiques Tacori is rolling out.
MajorsFeb 25, 2025
Qurate Has a New NameThe parent company of HSN and QVC is undergoing a restructuring.
CollectionsFeb 25, 2025
Michael B. Jordan Stars in David Yurman’s Spring CampaignThe company’s newest brand ambassador Eiza González will also be featured in the ads for the women’s campaign.
SourcingFeb 24, 2025
Colored Stone Market Update: Tracking Industry Trends in TucsonDeclining supply and growing demand persist in the colored gemstone market, presenters from Gemworld said at AGTA GemFair Tucson.
TrendsFeb 24, 2025
Renna’s Lobster Clasp Looks Like a Claw, Now It's Patented by LawThe designer’s new patent transforms the everyday clasp into her jumbo “Lobster Clasp,” modeled after the look of a crustacean’s claw.
Events & AwardsFeb 24, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC LuncheonKenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.
SourcingFeb 24, 2025
Diavik’s Production Down 17% in 2024 Sales at the Rio Tinto-owned mine also slid by a double-digit percentage, falling 37 percent in a difficult market for diamonds.
CollectionsFeb 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Ruzzo’s ‘Tennessee’ Oval Drop EarringsHeidi Gardner, an SNL cast member, wore the smoky quartz earrings on the “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” red carpet on Sunday.
SourcingFeb 21, 2025
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Gemstones, Metals The reversal comes less than two months after the Zambian government reinstated the tax in an effort to bring in more money.
MajorsFeb 21, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York Names New PresidentThe organization also announced its newly elected officers and directors.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Anglo Writes Down Value of De Beers by $2.9B As anticipated, Anglo took another impairment charge on the diamond miner and marketer, which saw revenue sink 23 percent in 2024.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Harry Winston’s Son Donates Fancy Red Diamond to the SmithsonianRonald Winston is giving the 2.33-carat “Winston Red” to the Smithsonian, 67 years after his father donated the Hope Diamond.
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
GJEPC Names New Chairman, Vice ChairmanKirit Bhansali, a partner in Smital Gems and chairman of India Jewellery Park, will take on the role of chairman.
IndependentsFeb 20, 2025
IJO Elects 4 New Board MembersAlisha Cornett, Nic Faini, Eric Stevens, and Seth Shipley have joined the organization’s board of directors for a three-year term.
CrimeFeb 19, 2025
Brink’s to Pay $42M After Admitting to Illegally Transporting MoneyThe company has to pay the Justice Department and FinCEN for violating the Bank Secrecy Act, the U.S.’s main anti-money laundering law.
SourcingFeb 19, 2025
Diamond Mining Company CEO Steps Down Amid Sales Slump, LayoffsPetra Diamonds Ltd. CEO Richard Duffy resigned as the diamond miner reported a 30 percent drop in sales to start its fiscal year.
ColumnistsFeb 19, 2025
The Smart Lab: Maximizing Your Jewelry Brand on PinterestPinterest is a potential gold mine for jewelry brands, Emmanuel Raheb writes, provided they follow these five tips.
MajorsFeb 19, 2025
Cartier Opens New Store Inside LAXThe boutique is the French luxury brand’s first airport store on the West Coast.
CollectionsFeb 19, 2025
Swarovski’s NYC Flagship Celebrates Ariana Grande CollabThe store’s facade now features the iconic swan logo and campaign images of the “Wicked” star.
