for the first epic level you need cheap gem creating and combining then just make mloads of diamond shaped ones try to keep pure and build loads of towers and a few trenches
hmm i got past chapter one and it didnt give me badge... but it also says my best is level 5 : Like College, But With More Thinking Badge (medium - 15 points)
Chapter 1 completed [Best so far: 5]
 "Symmepaint"){kind=icon}
 "faze"){kind=icon}
 "Cargo Bridge"){kind=icon}
 "GemCraft"){kind=icon}
 "SHIFT 4"){kind=icon}
 "Heavy Weapons"){kind=icon}
 "Super Karoshi"){kind=icon}
 "Crush the Castle"){kind=icon}
 "Pirate Defense"){kind=icon}
 "Learn to Fly"){kind=icon}
 "Spewer"){kind=icon}
 "Music Catch 2"){kind=icon}
 "Death Vegas"){kind=icon}
 "Robot Dinosaurs That Shoot Beams When They Roar"){kind=icon}
 "Neverending Light"){kind=icon}