Q: "Created," "lab created," "laboratory grown" or "simulated" are keywords that indicate the emerald is synthetic, not natural. "Chatham" emeralds are also man-made. Be wary of the way a seller uses the word "genuine." Created emeralds are indeed genuine synthetic emeralds, not genuine natural emeralds. Jewelers may tout created emeralds as physically, visually and chemically the same as natural emeralds. However, they are nowhere near as valuable as natural emeralds. Other terms used for synthetic emeralds are Gilson, Inamori, and Seiko. "Imitation" emeralds are not the same as lab-created or natural emeralds. They are various materials such as green glass or green cubic zirconia. "Composite" gemstone such as doublets or triplets are stones fused to other materials, such as an emerald top glued to a green glass bottom. Determining the value of colored gemstones takes years of experience. While you can do your own research, it's best to utilize the guidance of a professional when considering such a large investment. Find a jeweler who has gemological credentials, is informed about emeralds, and has multiple natural emeralds with different styles that you can view simultaneously. Research the place from which you are buying your emerald. There are many synthetic and imitation emeralds on the market, and it is imperative to be certain you are purchasing yours from a reputable dealer. Look for online reviews of the seller that come from a website other than the seller itself. Gemological credentials come from a educational organization like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS). The jeweler will have initials after their name, such as RJ (Registered Jeweler) or CG (Certified Gemologist). You can look up the initials in a search engine to find out exactly how much education the seller has achieved in their field. Because they are prone to fractures, most emeralds are treated somehow. However, if the stone was significantly treated to improve its appearance and hide flaws, the emerald may appear higher quality than it actually is. If the stone was treated, find out whether the treatment is major or insignificant. Ask if the stone has been examined for fillers. Get a report from an independent laboratory that can confirm the emerald is natural and to what extent it's been treated. Don't rely on a lab report that comes with the stone and is labeled as "independent." Find your own, unbiased third party, such as a certified gemologist or appraisal organization. Stones may be sold without the seller disclosing the fact it was clarity enhanced, which is considered a deceptive practice. Some polymer type resins will disintegrate and yellow with age. Avoid emeralds with certain oil treatments, as oils like cedar will cause yellow staining inside the stone after repeated oiling. Also remember all oil treatments will dry out and require re-oiling.
A: Look for keywords that indicate origin. Evaluate the trustworthiness of the seller. Find out if and how the emerald has been treated.

Q: When you don't like someone you work with, you might be forced to interact with them more than you like; however, whenever you have an ability to influence your situation, try to avoid working directly with them. This might be an active choice that you are able to make or a request you may have to put forward in order to create a better working situation for yourself. If you get to choose what projects you work on at work or what groups you are in at school, actively choose an option that doesn't involve the person you don't like. If you are placed on a team with someone you dislike, you might consider respectfully asking your boss to move you to another team. But make sure you keep your focus on your work/productivity, not just on your personal feelings. Try saying something like, "I think I could be much more productive if you would consider placing me on a team with Sam instead. We have already proven to be an effective team when working together." While it is true that socially you aren't obligated to have long conversations with anyone you don't want to, sometimes this isn't the case at work or school. You may be required to interact with people you don't like in a professional setting. In cases like these, keep conversations as brief as possible. Don't engage in small talk or ask questions about the person's personal life. To end a conversation gracefully, have an exit line ready. Try saying, "I've got a lot of work to do, so I don't have time to talk right now." When possible, choose to correspond via email or over the phone rather than face-to-face. One way to avoid people you don't like is by being proactive about knowing where that person will be at certain times. Figure out what their schedule is and adjust yours so that you will cross paths as little as possible. Before you start rearranging your life to avoid someone, take some time to evaluate what is important to you. Is it worth it to rearrange your schedule just to avoid this person? If you cherish every last second of sleep in the morning, ask yourself if it's worth sacrificing that time to go in early just to avoid someone annoying. Think about if there is a respectful way you can assertively deal with the person that doesn't require you to alter your entire schedule. Start coming in to work a little early so you can finish your day a little bit earlier if it will help you avoid them. Try to find out what classes they are taking and choose different classes. If you are encountering someone you don't like during activities at school, you might want to try some different activities so that you can avoid this person without causing a scene. This is a respectful way to remove yourself from the situation without making it obvious that you dislike the person. This may be a good idea if you are already looking to branch out and try other things, but before you stop your activity, you need to consider what you are giving up to avoid this person. Are you willing to sacrifice a hobby or activity you really enjoy? If you start avoiding all the things that you enjoy in life to get away from a temporary discomfort/dislike, you may end up creating a life that is unfulfilling. Carefully consider what is worth giving up just to avoid this person. Consider taking a more assertive approach rather than avoidance. If you are in the same yoga class and you want to avoid the person, try going to Pilates instead. If you both go to the same trivia night at the local bar, try trivia night at a different spot. If you are both rushing for the same sorority or fraternity, consider joining a different one. One reason you keep encountering a person you dislike could be because you hang out with the same people. If this is the case, consider expanding your social circle to include new people so that you at least have an outlet away from the person that you don't like. If you are in the same study group, try to expand your social circle and find a new study group to join.
A:
Avoid working on the same team. Limit communication. Consider altering your schedule. Think about trying some new activities. Make new friends.