I have been doing a bit of research to try to figure out the last time Her Majesty wore the Emerald setting of the Vladimir Tiara with the emerald drops in front of the circular frames rather than behind, as has been the recent trend.
I had in the back of my mind the last time was the Buckingham Palace banquet for Nelson Mandela circa 1995 but after reading the notation in The Queen's Diamonds that the frame had been completely rebuilt I second-guessed and assumed the last time coincided with the re-build and the new frame's circular elements may have been wider than the original.
Not so, as I have finally found the video of the banquet showing the emeralds resting in front:
What struck me was how firmly fixed the drops are in this version of the setting. Was this indeed the last time they were worn in front? Any theories as to the current trend other than HM's personal preference? LOL