Emerald cut earring question

Last year I purchased a 3-stone platinum engagement ring that was .81 ct, F color, and VS1 clarity, ideal cut. The side stone were .25 ct and matched the color, cut, and clarity of the center stone.

With the wedding two months away, I'm thinking of buiying emerald cut stud earrings as a wedding gift. My questions are: 1) what is a good size to match the ring? I'm thinking .25-.30ct?)? 2) How important is it to match the color, cut, and clarity of the ring? Can I get away with a lower color and clarity on earrings? 3) Is matching the platinum from the ring a must? 4) What do you think an average estimate would be for these earrings?

Thanks for any help you can offer!

Eric

I don't think you have to match the platinum -- they are separated enough that it won't matter.  In general, you can go much lower in color and clarity for earrings.  I don't know how low with ECs tho -- you'd probably need to see them or get advice from someone who knows more than I do. 

FWIW...I've tried on EC earrings, being an EC fan, and didn't like them.  They spin so that they are never lined up with each other.  If you really want to go this route (which I think is very thoughtful), I'd consider square emerald cuts so that the spinning isn't as obvious. 

I wouldn't worry about matching metals for the earrings. No one will know that they are not platinum.

A good size I think would be 1/2ctw. Emerald cuts have a nice spread to begin with. They will look quite large at that size.

As for the color, I would still stick with a good color, only because of the white gold or platinum studs you choose. But clarity, you could even go down in those. I have seen some really nice Si2-I1's in .25 pointers.

Eric

Eric