The Prince and Princess of Wales at a black tie event during their tour of Australia in 1985.
I really try and use the word "iconic" as sparingly as I can - it's so painfully overdone these days - but I think this is an occasion to drop it, because this is one of the most iconic uses of jewelry in the past few decades of royal history. Emerald jewelry was the choice to complement this green gown from the Emanuels, a one-shouldered, low-waisted silk satin organza dress dotted with sparkles. These were some of Diana's more valuable jewels: the Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Choker (click for a detailed history from the Jewel Vault) which was a lifetime loan from the Queen as a wedding gift, and emerald and diamond earrings which were a 22nd birthday present from Charles.Video: The event starts at :45.
She opted to use the necklace as a bandeau across her forehead, reportedly because she had a sunburn on her neck, and the appearance instantly became memorable. Memorable, yes, but successful...hmm. It's a strange meeting of the 1980s and the 1920s and 30s, when the bandeau was truly in style. Would you classify this appearance as a success?Photos: Tim Graham/Getty/Daily Mail/Royal Collection