Texas Jewelers Association 2025 Fall Convention Featured Presentations TCEA Convention Center, Austin, Texas, November 1 & 2, 2025
Lisa Kennedy
Gemological Institute of America
Lisa Kennedy is a GIA subject specialist in gemology including the areas of diamond and colored stone identification. She started in the jewelry industry as a sales associate for a fine jewelry store. While completing the GIA Graduate Gemologist program and the Gem-A Gemmology Foundation course, she joined GIA as a gemologist focusing on
fancy colored diamonds and diamond identification. She went on to become a gemology instructor and subject specialist at GIA, writing new gemology curriculum and sharing her passion for gems by imparting her knowledge to students. In this role, Lisa has led seminars and webinars to foster continuing education and training for trade members. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with an emphasis in
crystallography.
Evan & Miriam Kamau Caplan
www.evancaplan.com
Evan Caplan
A noted jazz musician by profession, Evan originally studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He discovered that the sensitivity and artistry needed for appreciating contemporary jazz allowed him to easily adapt into his new world of rare and exotic stones.
Mariam “Mimo” Kamau Caplan
Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya began her career working for a gemstone dealer where she observed the art and trade of gems. Under Miriam’s leadership, the Kenya-based gemstone mining company Mimo Gem Traders, Ltd., has excelled in the extraction and trade of rare gemstones and set pioneering standards in community development and environmental
stewardship.
Douglas K Hucker
International Colored Gemstone Association
Douglas Hucker has expanded ICA’s membership, strengthened the organization’s influence and resources, and upheld its role in public and industry affairs as an advocate for its members and the colored gemstone industry at large.
A dynamic internationally recognized speaker, Mr. Hucker served over two decades as CEO of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA). His industry involvement has incorporated participation the Boards of many associations, including Texas Jewelers Association, AGTA, the American Gem Society, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) and has been an avid supporter of the Jewelers Security Alliance, the Women’s Jewelry Association, and others.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation
United States Department of Justice
FBI will return to present another exceptional jewelry industry specific presentation on crime. Robbery, smash & grab, violet crimes committed against jewelers. The representative from the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation will provide an update on crime against the industry, sharing videos and still images presenting the latest techniques and methods perpetrated against our retail and wholesale members. This is always one of the most popular sessions with the seminar filled to capacity! We are so grateful to the FBI for this update.
